Paducah, Kentucky Guy

Paducah Kentucky Guy

Cabinet Card photo of nice-looking young gentleman in a suit, bow tie, and holding a bowler hat. Photo taken in Paducah, Kentucky. The photographer’s name is hard to read here, but after a little research of Paducah city directories, W. G. McFadden appeared to be the likely photographer. His name was verified by finding other cabinet cards with this same distinct signature, that were a little easier to read. More details to follow shortly in a separate post, on W. G. McFadden.

In searching for more details in the photo, an up-close look at this young man’s left hand shows that he appears to be wearing a wedding band. This photo was found with two other photos of persons who may or may not be related to this man. See the prior post on Ophelia Bell Morrow, and the next post on Myrtle Eyman.

At the bottom left of the card is the word “Platinotype.” Per a Wikipedia entry, platinotypes or platinum prints, “…are photographic prints made by a monochrome printing process that provides the greatest tonal range of any printing method using chemical development.” The platinum group metals are very stable, more so than gold. “It is estimated that a platinum image, properly made, can last thousands of years.” Other advantages for using the platinotype process:  non-reflective, and no tendancy to curl, as in the photos coated with gelatin.

Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platinum_print