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Antique Cabinet Card Photograph — Victorian Man — C. S. Gerlach, Elgin, Illinois (c. 1884–1892)
Identification
This is a late 19th-century cabinet card photograph, a full-length studio portrait of an adult man, produced by the photography studio of C. S. Gerlach in Elgin, Illinois. Based on documented studio-address chronology, the photograph most plausibly dates to circa 1884–1892.
Notable Details
The sitter stands in a formal Victorian pose before an elaborate painted studio backdrop featuring an arch, column, staircase, and foliage. He wears a long dark overcoat over a three-piece suit with a high-collared shirt and necktie, and vertically striped trousers. A pocket-watch chain is visible at the waistcoat. He holds a dark derby (bowler) hat in one hand, and what may be a pair of gloves in the other. His hair is closely parted, and he wears a narrow moustache.
Research / Identification
The reverse bears a handwritten inscription that appears to read \"August Leiseberg\" [?]. This is the best current transcription based on close examination of the photograph, though a decorative gold ornament partially overlaps the surname, preventing full certainty. The Leiseberg surname is independently documented among Kane County, Illinois families during this era, which makes the reading geographically plausible — but this does not establish a connection to this specific sitter. No specific, age-appropriate \"August Leiseberg\" has been identified in available research as securely linked to this photograph, and the sitter\'s identity has not been independently verified. This card should not be understood as a confirmed portrait of any named individual.
Photographer / Studio
C. S. Gerlach operated a photographic studio in Elgin, Illinois, documented at 42 Douglas Avenue in city directories from 1884 through 1892. A related 1887–88 directory entry lists \"Gerlach, Christ.\" at the same address, possibly an expanded form of the same photographer\'s name, though this is not independently confirmed. Gerlach does not appear in the 1894–95 directory, suggesting this range reflects his documented period of independent studio activity at this address.
Inscriptions
Handwritten pencil inscription, lower reverse, best read as: \"August Leiseberg\" [?]. A later paper dealer/inventory label is also present at the upper right of the reverse, reading approximately \"Dealer 55, $6.00, 999-50-251\" — a later collector/dealer annotation, not part of the original studio card.
Physical Details
Format: Cabinet card (mounted photographic print on cardstock). Dimensions: approximately 6.5 × 4.25 inches. Portrait orientation with warm sepia/brown monochrome toning. Reverse features an elaborate pink-and-gold decorative photographer backmark.
Condition
Good antique condition with age-related wear: moderate image fading/reduced contrast (especially in the backdrop), scattered small surface marks, rounded corners, edge/corner wear and soiling (most visible upper-right reverse), and minor lower-edge irregularities. Please view all photos carefully as part of your purchase decision.
