Quote:
Originally Posted by Saco River Auction
On January 7 2013 Paul Messier Conservator of Boston inspected the card and his findings are in the detailed report which I am including.
A Quick summary of his findings are as follows.
This is a 19th century Albumen Print, and was not created with a laser, inket, or any other kind of modern photography process.
We have spent the time to be certain and to make all of you certain that this is an authentic 19th century albumen print. We have provided conclusive evidence from SGC and Paul Messier.
It is now time to move forward and sell this card. We have scheduled the sale for February 6 2013@5PM at our auction hall in Biddeford Maine.
I am currently registering phone bidders and absentee bidders, internet bidding will begin later this week.
If you would like to schedule a phone bid or have any questions please call Troy 207-650-5677
|
Hi Troy. Messier's report does not say that it IS a 19th century albumen print - it says "the photograph is consistent with a 19th century albumen print." There is a huge difference. My concern, and that of several others, was that this might be a 20th century albumen created by a forger who took the time to learn the process described in Jay's earlier post - I think the additional testing described at the end of Messier's report is what it would take to dispel that concern: "Additional work to confirm the process could include identification of the final image material, an assessment of paper fibers and an analysis of the binder."
Just my opinion. I think it's great that you took the item to Messier and I hope that whoever wins it doesn't have a bad 'gut feel' when they finally have it in hand, and end up having to send it off for the testing of the actual image.