Gentleman with Waxed Handlebar Mustache

Photograph

-

The Recorded Image Project

Name/Title

Gentleman with Waxed Handlebar Mustache

Entry/Object ID

RE-PH-2026-0066

Description

Full-length studio portrait of a young adult male standing beside an ornate upholstered studio chair. Painted backdrop includes classical scrollwork and drapery. Patterned carpet visible.

Photograph Details

Type of Photograph

Cabinet Card

Category

1900's, 1890's, Victorian

Made/Created

Date made

circa 1895 - circa 1905

Time Period

Victorian

Place

City

Michigan

Notes

Photographer A. J. Vortel Houghton, Michigan

Condition

Overall Condition

Very Good

Date Examined

Feb 14, 2026

Notes

Surface foxing spots Mount edge wear Overall strong tonal retention Good contrast for age

General Notes

Note Type

Description

Note

This full-length studio portrait depicts a young man in a tailored sack suit with a high detachable collar and neatly waxed handlebar mustache — a style fashionable at the turn of the twentieth century. The formal pose beside an ornate studio chair and painted backdrop reflects the era’s ideals of respectability and upward mobility. Produced in Michigan’s copper-mining region during a period of economic growth, the portrait likely commemorated personal or professional success.

Create Date

February 14, 2026