Charles Leander Weed

2 mammoth-plate albumen prints, comprising The Sentinels, Big Tree Grove and The Original Big Tree, each mounted, 1864 (2)

These mounted photographs were originally in an album in which they were affixed back-to-back with another mounted photograph. The paired photographs’ mounts were expertly separated from one another. As a result of this, a faint linen-like texture can be seen in the surface of the prints when they are examined closely in raking light, and the reverse of the mounts have a very slightly rough texture. A thin strip of linen tape runs along the upper or right mount edge. Visible in raking light, scattered surface scratches, faint impressions, and tiny raised areas are visible throughout the prints. The periphery of the mounts are appropriately age-darkened, and there is light wear and soiling primarily at the edges. 'The Sentinels, Big Tree Grove' - Grading this albumen print on a scale of 1 to 10 - a 10 being a print that has rich, deep dark tones and highlights that retain all of their original detail - this print rates a 9. The dark tones are generally strong, but the sky, especially near the right edge of the print, is somewhat warm in tonality. Upon close examination, the following are visible: a small loss that has been inpainted in the lower left quadrant; and tiny black deposits, possibly ink, in the upper right corner and lower mount edge. 'The Original Big Tree' - Grading this albumen print on a scale of 1 to 10 - a 10 being a print that has rich, deep dark tones and highlights that retain all of their original detail - this print rates a 9. There is very faint yellowing in the sky. There are 4 tiny black deposits, possibly ink, on the upper mount edge. The upper left mount corner is somewhat rippled, likely from exposure to moisture.
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