This mammoth panoramic albumen print is remarkable for both its scale and condition, a rare surviving example in this unusually large format. Unlike most other panoramas of the period, this photograph consists of one continuous print rather than a series of joined prints. Depicting most of downtown San Francisco from Russian Hill to the bay, this expansive photograph features crisp detail throughout, including smoke billowing from the cable car barn and multiple merchant signs legible throughout. 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 darkest areas are a deep chocolate brown, and the highlights are cream-colored.
This print is in generally very good condition. When examined closely, the following are visible: tiny matte deposits, as well as nearly imperceptible milky-white matte deposits, of indeterminate nature; soft handling creases; and subtle scuffs. There is an approximately 2-inch vertical crease in the upper center that appears to break the emulsion as well as a sharp diagonal crease at the lower right corner that may break the emulsion. There is a tiny circular loss in the upper left sky area.
The mount is soiled and yellowed at the periphery of the image. There are multiple tears and losses at the mount edges, including a tear at the center right that extends into the image approximately ¼-inch. Several strips of clear adhesive tape were inexpertly applied to the tear. The lower right mount corner is nearly detached. The reverse of the mount is backed with linen, which is soiled and torn, particularly at the edges. The following is written in pencil in unidentified hands: ‘WJP/003’; ‘cut / San Francisco [illegible]’; and ‘5545 [circled]’.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colors and shades which are different to the lot's actual color and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation. The condition report is a statement of opinion only. For that reason, the condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS ONLINE CONDITION REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE/BUSINESS APPLICABLE TO THE RESPECTIVE SALE.
