Samson & Co / Brussels - Charleroi: Young Man Handlebar Moustache (Vintage CDV ~1890s)

original vintage carte de visite (cdv) photo - no reprint!  

carte de visite photos were first introduced in 1854 and were replaced by the larger cabinet cards, in the early 1870s...

antique carte de visite (cdv) photograph by photographie samson & co, with studio locations at 145 rue neuve, 35 chaussee d'ixelles, and 13 chaussee de waterloo in brussels, plus 10 rue charles ii in charleroi, belgium.

the reverse bears a handwritten cliche number in pencil, "les cliches sont conserves" (negatives kept on file) and "atelier special pour agrandissements" (special studio for enlargements), indicating this was a well established, multi branch commercial studio.

the photograph shows a young man with slicked back hair and a distinctive waxed handlebar moustache, wearing a suit with waistcoat, necktie, and visible watch chain, in a classic three quarter studio pose. sitter is unidentified.

the thinner card stock and cleaner cut corners point to a later cdv, likely 1890s to early 1900s. albumen or gelatin silver print mounted on card in the standard cdv format.

overall condition is good for its age, light general wear consistent with handling, image is clear and sharp.

a good example of belle epoque era male fashion and a multi location belgian commercial photo studio.

condition: very good...please also refer to scan which show complete front and reverse of photo.

fotografie, photograph, photographe, kabinettformat, cabinet photo, foto, kabinett photo, cdv, carde de visite, albumen silver print, tirage albuminé, victorian era, portrait