RARE Antique INSCRIBED "LOVE" Photograph of Young African American Man, c1900

Description

WONDERFUL ANTIQUE Mounted Photo of Dressy Young African American Man, c.1900, VERY RARE WITH INSCRIPTION TO HIS SWEETHEART!!!
DESCRIPTION:
Very rare antique photo of a very young African American man. Great looking pose, and judging from his age, probably no older than 16-18, probably his first formal photograph and something quite special to him. Includes a nice coat and fancy bow tie.
Scans show it all.
What makes this one so special and endearing is that HE HAS VERY CAREFULLY INSCRIBED IT TO HIS SWEETHEART, OR A GIRL THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BE HIS SWEETHEART!! Did he have the photo taken just to have it to give to her?? His eyes look that way and that he is looking at her and thinking of her. Anyway, very carefully & slowly written on the back in old black handwriting, as fancy as he could make it: "Compliment of R.J. Riss, to Claudie".
Nice early African American photos are very scarce, especially males dressed this nicely. Obviously the number taken was relatively small to start with. This one IS ONE OF THE NICEST I HAVE SEEN WITH THE INSCRIPTION AND ITS REPRESENTATION OF YOUNG LOVE.....and the whole story and picturing him GIVING HER THIS PHOTO. Would be nice to know the rest of the story between them. Did they start dating? End up getting married? Have a happy life together?
Measures 3 1/2" x 5 1/2".  This came with a nice collection of antique African American photos and materials, some of which are identified by person or by photographer/town. Most appear to be from Mississippi, and I assume this one came from there as well.
Would make a great gift for the photographic collectors or the lovers in your family. Excellent condition overall.
Good early, IDENTIFIED cabinet photos of African Americans are very hard to find, and almost unheard of with this kind of story and background.
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