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A striking antique celluloid photographic medallion featuring a formal portrait of an unidentified young man surrounded by an elaborate calla-lily design.
The young man is shown seated in a dark three-piece suit, resting his head thoughtfully against one hand. His sepia-toned portrait is enclosed within a gold-bordered oval against a deep burgundy panel. A large ivory-colored calla lily and sweeping green foliage fill the remainder of the design.
This unusually large medallion measures approximately 8 inches in diameter.
The calla-lily artwork is signed “R. Schiefner” near the lower right edge and marked “Copyrighted 1907 by Cruver Mfg. Co.” The metal backing bears the separate stamp of Columbia Medallions, Chicago. These markings identify R. Schiefner as the artist, Cruver Manufacturing Company as the copyright holder for the floral design, and Columbia Medallions as the Chicago company that produced the finished photographic medallion.
The photograph and richly colored printed surround are protected beneath a glossy, domed celluloid covering and secured over a round metal backing. A small opening and hardware on the reverse were originally provided for display.
Condition: Displays beautifully with vivid green, cream, burgundy, and gold coloring. The celluloid surface shows scattered scratches, scuffs, speckling, marks, and age-related wear. There is wear around the outer edge, including a small area of lifting or surface loss along the left side. The metal backing has extensive scratches, oxidation, dark spotting, finish loss, and general wear. The remaining rear hardware appears bent, damaged, or incomplete, and its functionality is not guaranteed. Please examine all photographs carefully for the complete condition.
The ornate display stand shown in the photographs is not included.
Antique photographs. Human beings behaving historically.
And if we don’t know your name… well, you should have written it on the back.
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