Category Archives: Daguerreotypes

Mrs. A. C. Redmond

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1855                290 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C.                                                            1855-1856     401 Seventh Street, Washington, D. C.                                                                          1858-1859     12 Market Space, between 8th & 9th Streets, Washington, D. C.

Mrs. A. C. Redmond was recorded in six advertisements and two announcements in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.)  The first advertisement ran from August 6 to September 24, 1855.  Mrs. A. C. Redmond’s New Gallery of Daguerrean Art and Photographing is at 290 Pa. avenue, northeast corner of 11th street, over Ford & Bro’s Drug Store, Washington.

Pictures taken at 50 cents and upwards.                                                                                                      Mrs. R. is a graduate of Whitehurst’s establishment.

The first announcement appeared on September 26, 1855.  Worthy of Patronage.—Those desiring daguerreotype pictures cannot do better than to patronize the establishment of Mrs. Redmond, on the corner of Pennsylvania avenue and eleventh street, over the Drug store of the Brothers Ford.  The proprietress, Mrs. Redmond, executes her pictures capitally, and especially deserves encouragement from those who are blessed with true public spirit.  We have satisfied our self that she is a very worthy widow, with a family of three children depending on her exertions, and that the duty of paying for her establishment has forced her to deny herself almost the bare necessities of life during nearly the whole of the late dull term in the way of business.  If industry and determined perseverance to discharge pecuniary obligations amid crushing difficulties and pinching want deserve encouragement, surely here is a case in which those who are truly benevolent and public spirited cannot do better than to patronize the daguerreotyping establishment in question.

The second advertisement ran from November 22, 1855 to January 21, 1856.  Daguerreotypes Taken By A Lady.  Mrs. A. C. Redmond Having removed to her new rooms, on 7th st., between H and I, is prepared to take Likenesses in the best style of the art.

Pictures well taken and put up in embossed cases for Fifty Cents.

The second announcement appeared on July 10, 1856.  Daguerreotypes.—Those in want of good Daguerreotypes should call at the establishment of Mrs. A. C. Redmond, 401 Seventh street.  Her pictures are well executed, and her prices suit the times.

The third advertisement ran from July 10 to 16, 1856.  Mrs. A. C. Redmond’s Sky-Light Daguerrean Gallery.  No. 401 Seventh street, above H, west side.

Portraits Taken Equally Well in Fair and Cloudy Weather.  Particular attention paid to copying Daguerreotypes, Oil paintings, &c.  Pictures of Deceased Persons taken and made to resemble life.  Mrs. R. solicits the patronage of the Ladies particularly.

The fourth advertisement appeared on December 2, 1856.  Mrs. A. C. Redmond’s Skylight daguerrean Rooms, Seventh street, west side, between H and I sts.

Mrs. A. C. R. Wishes To say To The public that she is now making beautiful Ambrotypes from one dollar up to any price requires.  Daguerreotypes put up in embossed cases for fifty cents, which are usually sold elsewhere for one dollar.  Her expenses on Seventh street being much less than on the Avenue, she is enabled to sell her Pictures at a greatly reduced price.

Mrs. R. respectfully requests the patronage of the ladies.

The fifth advertisement ran from August 7 to 11, 1858.  Call At Scott’s Bookstore On Pa. avenue, between 14th and 16th streets, and get a dollar Book and a Daguerreotype for only one dollar….Daguerreotypes will be taken by that excellent artist E. N. Lewis, at Mrs. Redmond’s Gallery, No. 12 Market Space, and by R. C. Woodley, 312 E street.

The sixth advertisement ran on April 1 & 2, 1859.  Ladies Daguerrean Rooms, Market Space, No. 12, bet. 8th and 9th sts.  If you want an excellent Ambrotype, call at Mrs. A. C. Redmond’s and obtain one.  Likeness to please, or no pay.

Ladies, your patronage is respectfully solicited.

Mrs. A. C. Redmond is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.  The above provides extended activity dates, addresses and additional information.

G. W. Ray

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1850                Address Unknown, Springfield, Massachusetts.

G. W. Ray was recorded in one announcement that appeared on May 15, 1850 in the Daily Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts).  The Copartnership heretofore existing under the Name L. White & Co. Is this day dissolved by mutual consent.   Springfield, May 13, 1850.   Luther White, G. W. Ray.

N.B.—The business will be continued at the old stand, by G. W. Ray.

G. W. Ray does not appear in other photographic directories.

Ravlen & Irving

Daguerreotypes, ,

1853                Rooms over T. Lavender’s Grocery Store, Lansingburgh, New York.

Ravlen & Irving were listed in two announcements in the Lansingburgh Democrat  (Lansingburgh, New York).  The first appeared on February 3, 1853.  Messrs. Irvin & Bablin, Daguerrian Artists, have opened a Gallery in this village in the room over T. Lavender’s Grocery Store, where they are prepared to receive calls from the ladies and gentlemen of this place.  They have already transferred the countenances of several of our citizens in such a manner that they almost seem to speak.  From what we know of their skill, we are satisfied that they are artists of considerable merit, and they invite an inspection of their work.  Give them a call.

The second appeared on February 10, 1853.  Ravlen & Irving, daguerrean artists, have just received a new invoice of splendid Pearl, Velvet, and Ivory Inlaid cases, for Daguerreotypes.  Since their arrival in this village they have been doing a regular land office building.

One can only speculate that the correct names of the partnership is Ravlen & Irving since the announcements are only a week apart.  Ravlen & Irving are  not listed in other photographic directories.  There is a possibly that Irving is James Irving who was active in Troy, New York, but without further documentation it is only speculation.

C. Ravel

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1857                Address Unknown, Chittenango, New York.

C. Ravel was recorded in one announcement that appeared on October 7, 1857 in the Cazenovia Republican (Cazenovia, New York).  List of Premiums Awarded at the Annual Fair of the Maddison County Agricultural Society, held at Morrisville, on the 15th, 16th and 17th days of September, 1857.  Concluded….Needle Work, Painting, &C….

Best Daguerreotypes, C. Ravel, Chittenango,                  3                                                                            2d best, R. Hubbard, Morrisville,                                           1

C. Ravel is not listed in other photographic directories as being active in 1857 in Chittenango, New York.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a Charles H. Ravel in Manlius in 1859 and Fayetteville, New York in 1859-1860.  Its possible they are the same person.

P. C. Ransom

Daguerreotypes, ,

1845                14 Yates Street, Schenectady, New York.

P. C. Ransom was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on August 19, 1845 in The Schenectady Cabinet, or Freedom’s Sentinel (Schenectady, New York). P. C. Ransom, Daguerreotype Artist, Has opened a convenient room at No. 14 Yates st. Schenectady, where he is prepared to execute at any hour of the day, Miniatures, of individuals and family groups, with all the late improvements, in a style not surpassed.  Miniatures taken by this new process are of an entirely different character from those produced by the old process, as it gives the likeness nearer the color of life, obviates the death-like appearance which has hitherto been the objection to Daguerreotype Miniatures, and also renders the impression entirely permanent on the plate.  Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine, and sit for their likenesses if they choose, by way of experiment.

P. C. Ransom is not recorded as being active in Schenectady, New York in other photographic directories. Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a Porter C. Ransom in Troy, New York in 1847-1849, it is possible they are the same person.

Alexander Ransom

Daguerreotypes, Portrait Painter, , , ,

1853                Mr. Ransom’s Rooms New York University, New York, New York.

Alexander Ransom was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The announcement appeared on December 13, 1853.  Mr. Freeman Having Purchased of Mr. Alexander Ransom the half of his property in the Drummond Light apparatus for enlarging daguerreotypes, will be prepared every day, between the hours of two and three o’clock P. M., to show any respectable parties, the effects of Daguerreotypes so enlarged, through which a perfect drawing is traced upon the reflection itself, from the cabinet to the size of life, or even larger, with the unerring certainty, in a comparatively short space of time.  Those having daguerreotypes of friends, will please bring them to determine their real value when magnified and thrown upon another surface, thereby avoiding all the disagreeable effects of the reflex of a polished plate, and withal of a hundred per cent increase of resemblance to their originals.  Outline for artists reasonably made.  Rooms No. 1, third floor, N. Y. University, Washington parade ground.

The advertisement ran from December 17 to 19, 1853.  Portraits Painted From Daguerreotypes.—Persons having daguerreotypes of deceased or absent  friends, can see the magnified to the size of life by a powerful Drummond light apparatus free at Mr. Ransom’s rooms, New York University, every day from 2 to 3 o’clock, P. M.

Alexander Ransom does not appear in other photographic directories.  He is recorded as a portrait painter in The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary of Artists in America 1564 – 1860 as being active in Boston and Lowell, Massachusetts, New York City and London, England.

Ranney

Daguerreotypes, ,

1851                Rooms on Royal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Ranney was recorded in three advertisements and one announcement in The Daily Crescent (New Orleans, Louisiana).  The first advertisement ran from May 5 to 8, 1851.  Daguerreotype Portraits.  Rare Chance!  Persons who cannot leave the city to visit their friends during the summer can be furnished with the most satisfactory substitute to send them, by early application at Ranney’s Daguerreotype Gallery.  As he will leave for the North while his rooms are being enlarged, he will take Likenesses on very favorable terms for a few days.

Gallery on Royal street, close to the St. Louis Hotel.

The second advertisement rand from May 13 to 16, 1851.  Ranney’s Daguerrean Gallery will soon be closed for the season, on account of repairs to be made on the building.  Wishing to close out his stock before leaving, he will take pictures at reduced prices.  His Three Dollar style of Portraits will be put up for Two Dollars; other sizes in proportion.

Rooms on the corner of Royal and St. Louis streets, near the St. Louis Hotel.

The third advertisement ran from May 19 to 22, 1851.  Ranney’s Daguerrean Gallery, on Royal street, close by the St. Louis Hotel, is not yet demolished, and until it is, great bargains can be had in Daguerreotypes, the proprietor being anxious to close out his stock as soon as possible.

Positively a few days only.  “A word to the wise,” etc.                                                                                Rooms not open on Sunday.

The announcement appeared on May 26, 1851.  Daguerreotype Notice.  Ranney’s Daguerreotype Gallery will close on Wednesday Evening, the 28th inst.  Those who want his Portraits, at reduced prices, will do well to be on the alert.  The Proprietor takes this opportunity of tendering his thanks for the very liberal patronage bestowed upon him, and hopes that the public will bear in mind the fact that he intends to return next Fall.  Gallery, 124 Royal street, close by the St. Louis Hotel.

Ranney is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in 1854 at 80 Camp Street.  It is possibly the same person.

Rand

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1851-1852       57 Fourth Street, Opposite Planter’s House, St. Louis, Missouri.

Rand was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Hannibal Journal and Western Union (Hannibal, Missouri).  The announcement ran on October 9, 1851. St. Louis Business Directory…Daguerrean Artist.—

Fitzgibbon, No 1 Fourth and Market streets;                                                                                        Dobyn & Co., Corner Fourth and Chestnut streets;                                                                                  Rand 57 Fourth street, opposite Planter’s House.

The advertisement ran from October 9, 1851 to January 15, 1852.  Rand’s Daguerreotype Saloons, 57 Fourth street, opposite Planters House, St. Louis, Mo.  Ladies and Gentlemen visiting St. Louis are invited to call and have their likenesses taken in a style equal to that of any in the world.  S. S. Meacham, Artist & Sup’t.

According to Craig’s Daguerreian Registry this is probably C. A. Rand.

C. A. Rand

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1855                Rooms on the West side of the Plaza, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

C. A. Rand was recorded in one advertisement in the Santa Fe Weekly Gazette (Santa Fe, New Mexico) on September 8, 1855.  Daguerreotype Portraits.  Positively For Only One Week Longer.  C. A. Rand is prepared to furnish Daguerreotype Likenesses in the very best style, at his rooms on the west side of the plaza.

Mr. Rand has lately arrived from New Orleans, and is in possession of all the improvements in this beautiful art.  Every picture shall be warranted perfect and unfading. September 5, 1855.

C. A. Rand Is listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in 1851 in St. Louis, Missouri and San Antonio, Texas in 1851 & again in 1855 in partnership with C. H. Washburn of New Orleans, Louisiana. Also reported in 1860 I Brownsville, Texas.

William H. Rablen

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , , , , , ,

C.1842-1854   Address and Location Unknown, New York.                                                                  1854-1855       4 Franklin Square, Troy, New York.[1]                                                                          1856                   Address Unknown, Union Village, New York.                                                                1857-1858        Rooms in Stewart’s Block, Middlebury, Vermont.

William H. Rablen was recorded in two announcements and seven advertisements.  The first announcement he was mentioned, appeared on  July 1, 1855 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  New and Beautiful Discovery.—The Public are invited to call and see some specimens of daguerreotypes, with an improvement discovered by Mr. W. H. Rablen of Troy, formerly one of our artists, by which the most beautiful effects are projected.  Meade Brothers, 233 Broadway, four doors above the Astor House.

The second announcement he was mentioned, appeared on  September 18, 1856 in the Washington County People’s Journal (Union Village, New York.)  Ambrotypes.—Our readers will perceive by the advertisement of Mr. Morse, that they have now an opportunity of procuring the new and beautiful style of picture called the Ambrotype.  The Ambrotype is generally adjusted superior to the daguerreotype.  Mr. M. and his associate, Mr. Rablen, are skilful operators; they have a good instrument, and keep on hand an excellent assortment of cases.  We have seen several pictures executed by them, which for richness of tone, beauty of finish and accuracy in delineating the human face divine, cannot well be surpassed, either in city or country.  Give them a call.

The first advertisement ran from September 18 to November 27, 1856 in the Washington County People’s Journal (Union Village, New York).  Ambrotypes.  George Morse, would respectfully announce to the citizens of Washington County and vicinity that he is now located for a few weeks at Union-Village for the purpose of making Ambrotypes.

He has engaged the services of Mr. W. H. Rablen, of Troy, who for the past 14 years has been engaged in Daguerreotyping in the principal cities in this State, and therefore has had an excellent opportunity of engaging in all new styles of Pictures as they have made their appearance.  Being among the first who launched into the Glass process and for the last 18 months practicing that branch alone, he confidently asserts that he will produce as good a Picture as can be produced by the Ambrotype process; for proof, bring along one of your best Ambrotypes and let him have a “shot at you.”

An Ambrotype is taken on Plate Glass, then hermetically sealed between two glasses, so that it cannot be effected by either air or water.

Mr. Morse returns his sincere thanks for the patronage that he has already met with.  Geo. Morse.

The following six advertisements appeared in The Middlebury Register (Middlebury, Vermont).  The second advertisement ran from March 11 to 25, 1857.  Improved Ambrotypes.  There is nothing prettier to present to a friend than a “fac simile” of yourself, when you can procure one executed in a scientific manner.  Since the introduction of the Daguerreotyping in America improvements have continually been made by our enterprising countrymen.  One of the latest of these improvements the subscribers now introduce to the citizens of Middlebury.  By it we make the picture of the subject have the appearance of projecting an eight of an inch from the glass, therefore get a full stereoscopic view without the use of lenses.

For Brilliancy of Tone and Durability of finish these pictures cannot be excelled.  One of the subscribers has had long experience in picture making, having for the last 14 years been engaged in the principal establishments both in this country and Europe.  Every improvement that has made its appearance he has had an excellent opportunity to “launch” directory into, and is  therefore fully competent to execute first class work at whichever branch of the picture business he undertakes.  Ambrotypes made after the most improved style, either on light or dark ground. An Ambrotype when properly finished is hermetically sealed between two glasses, so that they cannot be affected by either air or water.  All of our pictures are hermetically sealed, which process any one desirous of seeing will be shown with cheerfulness.  Ambrotypes set in lockets.

Pictures of sick or deceased persons taken at their residences.  Particular attention paid to copying Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes of Paintings.  All copies we guarantee equal to the original pictures.

Rooms in Stewart’s Block.  All are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens.  Putnam & Rablen.

The third advertisement ran from April 8 to 22, 1857.  If You Want A Superior Ambrotype, —You had better call soon,—As We Remain In Town But a few days longer.  Rablen & Putnam.

The fourth advertisement appeared on July 8, 1857.  To The Music World!  Just received, a large lot of New Sheet Music…Call at the Daguerrean Rooms, in Stewart’s Building.  A, J. Hervey…

The fifth advertisement ran from July 22, 1857 to February 3, 1858.  Ambrotypes.  W. H. Rablen respectfully announces to the public that he has purchased his former Partner’s interest in the concern, and having had a good share of patronage awarded him, (for which he is very thankful) he has concluded to remain at Middlebury for some few months longer.  He has recently made great improvements in his rooms, making them much more convenient for customers, and fitted up in a neat and tasty manner.  Having had a number of applications to take views, I have engaged my brother to assist me, and am now prepared to take views of residences, scenery, horses, cattle, or anything that may be desired.  Specimens of scenery may be seen at the rooms.  Those wishing pictures, by patronizing me, may rest assured that they will get as good a picture as can be made, as I take a great interest in producing good work and allow no one to beat me in any branch of my business which I undertake, (unless in writing advertisements)  Please call and examine specimens.  Rooms in Stewart’s Block.

The sixth advertisement ran from February 3 to September 29, 1858.  Rablen Has introduced another new style of picture called the “Scenic Ambrotype.”  Which for beauty of finish and stereoscopic effect, has never before been equaled in Middlebury.  Please call and examine specimens at the Sky-Light Ambrotype Gallery, Stewart’s Block.

The seventh advertisement ran from April 28 to June 9, 1858.  Superior Ambrotypes!  A Good Sky-Light, And an Operator that knows how to use it.  A Genuine Ambrotype, Including Case, Only 50 CTS.

Luther M. Brooks announces to the public that he has reopened the Ambrotype Rooms in Stewart’s Block.  These Rooms have recently undergone repairs, and are fitted up in a neat and tasty manner.  He has engaged the services of the celebrated Ambrotypist, William H. Rablen, who guarantees to make pictures as good as can be produced by the process.

Pictures set in Lockets, Pins, Bracelets, &c.  If you want a first-rate Picture, call and have it done by Rablen, at Brooks’ Sky and Side Light Gallery, Stewart’s Block, over Chapman & Barrour’s.

William H. Rablen appears in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Troy New York from 1854-1857.

[1] Dates and address from Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.