Man from Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts
Click here to see it larger.
What it is:
Cabinet card measuring 4.25 x 6.5 inches.
What I know about it:
Photographer is J. K. Patch of Shelburne Falls, Mass. Otherwise undated and unidentified.
Comments:
This isn’t the first time I’ve posted a man who seems to have lavished great love and care on his mustache while callously chopping off the rest of his hair. Here’s a more extreme example. But it kind of works on this guy, at least to my modern eyes, and it’s an interesting face to look at regardless. I was able to find some biographical information on the photographer, but it won’t be much use in narrowing down this particular portrait, since Jonas K. Patch (1825-1909) ran a successful photo studio in Shelburne Falls for over fifty years. Clues would have to come from the image itself (clothing, etc.) and the composition of the cabinet card (cardstock, lettering, etc.). I’d give it a very rough estimate of the 1880s, but I’d welcome a more expert opinion.
Pics of Then 
When I cover his moustache, mouth and clothes the haircut almost looks contemporary. Love his eyes!
Yes, I know what you mean about him largely looking contemporary. And he does have striking eyes.
His hair is quite short for the time period, but it definitely works for him. He’s a good looking man. I like this photo a lot!
I think your date estimate is probably very close when I look at the style of his clothing. Of course, I’m no expert on this stuff… Great post, Matt. 🙂
Glad you like it! I agree he’s good looking. And thanks for agreeing with my date estimate. I’m always happy to learn new things, but I’m also grateful for validation. LOL