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Rare 1890s Glass Negative – Winter Scene in Newton, MA by Henry Ellis Warren
Up for sale is a remarkable, piece of local New England history: an original 1890s glass plate negative capturing a serene, snow-covered winter landscape in Newton, Massachusetts.
This stunning image was captured by Henry Ellis Warren long before he achieved worldwide fame as the \"Father of Electric Time\" and inventor of the Telechron clock. During the late 19th century, Warren was a passionate amateur photographer. He traveled extensively across New England, capturing photographs for family, friends, and local residents. This piece offers a rare glimpse into his early artistic eye and technical skill.
The photograph beautifully depicts a pathway lined with bare, snow-laden trees, with a house subtly visible tucked behind the branches in the background to the left.
Item Specifics & Dimensions
- Photographer: Henry Ellis Warren (1872–1957)
- Estimated Date: Circa 1890s
- Location: Newton, Massachusetts
- Total Size (Including Frame): 8.25 inches by 5.2 inches
- Presentation: Housed in a vintage, decorative metal-edged hanging glass frame.
Condition Report
To preserve its absolute historical integrity, this artifact has been left entirely untouched and uncleaned. Please review the physical condition points carefully before offerding:
- Image Quality: The underlying photographic image remains sharp, vivid, and deeply detailed when backlit.
- Frame Condition: The decorative metal frame is structurally sound but features a slight wiggle. This is due to a small gap in the metal at the bottom that is not perfectly tight against the glass.
- Emulsion, Dust & Smudges: There is surface dust and a few minor fingerprints/smudges on the emulsion side. These are primarily visible when the negative is unlit or when light catches the surface at a specific angle.
- Minor Scratches: There are a few light, superficial surface scratches scattered on the plate, entirely consistent with an authentic artifact that is over 130 years old.
Collector\'s Note – See Our Other Listings!
If you are a collector of early photography or New England history, please check out our other active listings:
- Companion Glass Negative: We have a second, beautifully framed companion glass negative from the same collection currently listed.
- The Henry Ellis Warren Archive: We are also offering a massive, content-rich estate archive revolving around Henry Ellis Warren’s life, work, and personal history.
Please review all photos provided for references and as part of the overall item description. If you have any questions feel free to reach out. Thanks for looking!!!
