THE FERROTYPE, AND HOW TO MAKE IT.
Cincinnati and Louisville: Gatchel & Hyatt, 1872. Estabrook. First edition. Small 8vo., 200 pp., [28] adverts, one (of two) original sample ferrotype portrait by the author, with printed paper overmat mounted to the reverse of the original printed yellow boards bound in a later binding of half morocco and marbled paper over boards, all edges marbled. Lacking the second ferrotype for which there is a printed overmat on the reverse of the rear printed yellow board. Very good. Item #30637
Over the years, I have examined and sold at least seven copies of this manual in the first and second editions - the only ones to contain original ferrotypes. In every instance, the ferrotype was inserted under a printed window overmat, and affixed directly to the front and/or rear board of the binding (the first edition contains two ferrotypes, the second edition only one.) This copy, although in a later binding, has printed yellow boards in the front and rear, to which the ferrotype is mounted on the reverse with a printed window overmat. The boards are on original tabs, and the front wrapper also serves as the title page (although there is evidence that a leaf is lacking where the title page would normally be.) I have never before encountered this variant, nor have I seen mention of it in all the years I have been cataloguing and selling photographic manuals. It may be assumed that this was a sample binding that was ultimately rejected as too delicate for distribution. Regretfully, this copy is lacking the second original ferrotype, which might not have been included in this sample binding.
A complete manual with formulary for making direct positives on enameled iron with collodion, similar to the ambrotype. The first book to contain original images on a base material other than paper. Every copy contains unique ferrotype portraits.
Roosens and Salu No. 3875.
Price: $1,500.00