Name/Title
Salesman's sampleEntry/Object ID
2020.12.01Description
A large wooden box which contains an elaboratedly framed photographic portrait of a man with a white beard. The portrait was a sample of how the J.A. Shepard Portrait Copying House in Chicago could enlarge and enhance a photo with crayons. The sample includes a photocopied price sheet and sales information. There is also a small original photo of the bearded man for comparison.
The flat box is hinged with a padded, upholstered lid to better showcase and protect the sample. At some point, somebody added a clear plastic cover, held on with glue, tacks and white velcro. The box has a locking latch and a brutal metal caring handle.
A court case and a newspaper article (below) indicate J.A. Shepard was in business from at least 1889 to 1891.Context
Example of early photographic products. $1 was worth about $32 in 1890.Collection
Objects: historical artifactsCataloged By
Voss, MaryAcquisition
Accession
2020.12Source or Donor
McCollum, RonAcquisition Method
DonationDimensions
Height
28 inWidth
25 inDepth
4 inLocation
* Untyped Location
On top of shelving unitsGeneral Notes
Note
Status: OK
Status By: Mary Voss
Status Date: 2020-04-20Note
It seems J.A. Shepard was plagued by shady sales representatives:
https://cite.case.law/pa/143/642/
City of Titusville v. Brennan, 143 Pa. 642 (1891)
Oct. 5, 1891 · Supreme Court of Pennsylvania · No. 121
143 Pa. 642
CITY OF TITUSVILLE
v.
J. W. BRENNANCreate Date
April 20, 2020Update Date
August 23, 2022
