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Natalie-Nicole Bates
My name is Natalie-Nicole Bates. I live in the United Kingdom and I am a published author of contemporary and paranormal romance. You can find out more about my books by visiting www.natalienicolebates.com. Here is where you will find my collection of antique photographs, some of which have inspired my stories.
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Monday, October 29, 2012

A Great Daguerreotype



When I first saw this Dag, I thought the online seller was mistaken and that it was actually an Ambrotype because the image is so clean and clear and the image looked flat. I didn't buy it right away--it was pricey, and I wasn't sure what I was going to get. But when the price was reduced, I decided to buy it anyway.

Turns out it is a Daguerreotype of a great looking guy. I have to say the condition is remarkably good. This Dag must have been well loved for many years. I'm glad to have it in my collection.
Sunday, October 28, 2012

The Dag and the lock of hair



When I bought this Civil War era Daguerreotype of a nice looking blonde haired man in an overcoat, it came with a little surprise. Tucked behind the image in a folded up piece of paper is a lock of blonde hair. On the paper is written the name 'Charlie Sloan' and beneath it looks like a city, but time has unfortunately faded the writing.

One would assume the hair belongs to this gentleman, and that he most likely died shortly after the photo was taken as the hair is all blonde, no gray at all.

It's a great piece in very good condition.
Sunday, October 14, 2012

In A Dream



I purchased this CDV from an online seller. The seller was impressed with how tall this guy appears to be. I just liked the way he looked (I've got a thing for beards--it's just my thing) and the outfit and boots that he's wearing. I had an odd experience a few weeks ago. I dreamed this guy was standing in my kitchen.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

My First Ambrotype



I purchased this not really knowing what I was going to receive. The online seller thought it was an ambrotype, but couldn't be positive. Because of the flat surface and the glass back, I assumed it was an ambrotype as well.

It's actually a ruby ambrotype of a man. It's in very nice condition for its age.

The Daguereotype in the Display Case


 
 



This daguerreotype of a dark haired man is housed in a LARGE display case that can be turned into an easel. (6 by 4 inches). I personally hadn’t ever seen a travel case like this one, so of course I had to have it.

The seller thought the guy was kind of creepy and wanted him out of her collection. I was more than happy to have him.

Close up Daguerreotype


 
 
Daguerreotype image of a young man who wears a ribbon tie and has a white shirt and piercing eyes and a very chiseled face. Its not a strong image but its so lifelike in person and almost spooky how it just seems to follow you around when you look at him from any angle.
3.25"X 3.25". 
He has such a lovely face. The photo was bought uncased, and it’s pretty battered. I really need to buy a case for him.

Mourning Daguerreotype pendant



This is one of my favourite pieces in my collection. A fairly large gold mourning pendant houses a daguerreotype of a slightly older well dressed gentleman. The pendant is just under three inches tall and about 2.3 inches wide.



At the back is a repository that may have at one time held a small photo or possibly a lock of hair. It may be empty now or if there was something, time has destroyed it. I have not opened the repository as I'm afraid of breaking it.
Friday, October 12, 2012

The Christmas Daguerreotype


This circa 1850's Daguerreotype was a gift last Christmas from my partner. He said it looked like a Victorian photograph of himself. The funny thing is it does look a lot like him. This is a sixth plate Daguerreotype of a very sharp dressed man with a book. Most likely he was someone of importance, perhaps a lawyer or a politican.


Above: I had this dag professionally cleaned and archivally resealed. The before is on the left.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Daniel Tremont's Inspiration



I puschased this daguerreotype several months ago from an online seller. Both halves of the case are present, but the case is split in two with significant wear as you would expect from an object of this age.

The nicely dressed man in the photo is looking off to one side, a bit unusual.

The matt is a lovely purple, so I feel this might be a memorial photo.




He is the perfect inspiration for Daniel Tremont, the eternal former funeral director hero of my latest release SEE ME, which is now available at Leap of Faith Publishing or your favourite online book store.

And Here is Baby Charlotte


 
 
This CDV was the inspiration for Charlotte as a child in my new paranormal romance SEE ME which is available now at Leap of Faith Publishing.

 
 I fell in love with this beautiful little girl. This photo was purchased from an online seller.

An original 1860s carte de visite of a little girl in a chair with her head on her palm. Her photo is surrounded by flowers.

I am not sure if this unusual composition indicates a memorial / remembrance photo or not.

There has been some very light original tinting added. Her cheeks are light pink and the flowers have hints of green and yellow.

The photographers were a husband and wife team. The backmark on this photo reads:

Mr. & Mrs. Cornell
Photographers
Waterloo
Seneca County,
New York
4" x 2 1/2"
Monday, October 8, 2012

The Photo That Started It All



This is the first photo that I acquired. It came from a seller on the Etsy site. From the moment I first saw it I knew I had to have it. I come from a long line of folks in the funeral industry and I have a fascination of the whole subject of funerals.


When I first held this photo in my hand, I was in love.

At the time, I was only writing contemporary romance, and had recently sold my first novel called Change of Address. But soon I was struck by the idea for a paranormal short story. This idea eventually became my short paranormal Antique Charming, which is now published by Books To Go Now.



As you can see, this lovely cabinet card features the Nichols and Coykendall Funeral Directors and Embalmers. If anyone has any background information on this particular funeral home, please do share it with me.

There is a smaller sign in the window that is difficult to make out, but you can see the words 'Lady Assistant'.

If you look closely, you'll see a wonderful reflection in the glass of funeral carriage tied with elaborate ribbons.

And of course, at the bottom left is our handsome funeral director, ready for business.

On the back of the photo in beautiful scripted handwriting reads: Week of Oct-11-1896.

Such a beautiful piece of history that I treasure!

I'm Natalie-Nicole

My name is Natalie-Nicole Bates. I am a published author of both contemporary and paranormal romance. You can visit me and learn more about my writing at my other blog.

This blog is to share with you some of my favourite antique photographs that I have acquired, including those photographs that have inspired some of my books.

Feel free to stop back often.