LARGE ANTIQUE WILD WEST SHOW WOMAN PERFORMER ALBUMEN PHOTOGRAPH, 14x17

Highly unusual and rare, both in subject and size, is this hand colored albumen photograph of a woman sharpshooter, possibly Wild West show performer, dressed in a European dress and hat combined with western style boots and gloves. She is not Annie Oakley.

She is wearing a rich red (hand colored sash) with ribbon on her right shoulder. She also has two medals, one a marksmanship medal, and sports a military sword on her right hip.

Her dress includes much rich gold (hand colored) brocade. Very interesting is the hand drawn'map' of Europe drawn on her white apron, Illustrating England, northeastern Europe, including France, Belgium and Netherlands, and Spain. The map may pertain to the venues played by the show, although this is my own conjecture. An indoor studio set is just visible in the background of the photo.

I have not been able to identify who she is, or where this was taken. With further research this may be possible. Of the photo is good.

There is evidence of a wood backing that has left the board stained. There are also some pencil initials, perhaps production instructions. The image of the photo is in excellent condition, with no apparent damage. The back shows evidence of having been framed. Wood backing, but this acidification does not make the paper brittle or effect the image.

I believe collectors of antique photos will recognize the uniqueness of this photo, and appreciate its value to their collection.

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