Author: [19th C. San Francisco East Bay Photographer]
Title: CABINET CARD PHOTOGRAPH Of A SAILOR
Description: Vallejo, Cal: Chas. McMillan, (n. d.). Ca 1890s. Now housed in a clear archival mylar sleeve. Image shows a mustashioed, albeit otherwise unidentified, man, in his sailor garb, hands at hips, standing on what appears to be a battleship deck [but is actually a staged background]. Photograph: 5-1/2" x 3-7/8". Mount: 7-7/16" x 5-1/4", with photographer imprint at the base. Mount with minor edgewear, slight bump to lower right corner. Mounting (?) hole, pin size, in upper left corner, which has a small abrasion to verso. Photograph clear & sharp. VG - VG+. The town of Vallejo is home to the [former] Mare Island Naval Shipyard, beginning shipbuilding operations in 1854. As such, it comes as no surprise that a Vallejo photographic firm would offer their services to the many men who were stationed at this important west coast Naval facility. "Charles McMillan operated Vallejo's leading photographic studio at the turn of the last century.. McMillan was born in Canada and began his career as a photographer in Chicago, then moved to California in 1879. He travelled the state, operating his photo studio out of a tent, before eventually settling in Vallejo." [Kern, "Vallejo", p. 15]. An uncommon credited photograph from this 19th C California photographer. OCLC records just one other of a sailor; OAC lists McMillan as one of several photographers in two collections held by the Bancroft (quantity contributed unknown).

Keywords: Photography Photography


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