This is a very unusual tintype, taken outdoors, needless to say, of a ferry making a river crossing. At first it looks like it could be an extended dock waiting for the ferry to come back over, since it has substantial side railings, a narrow walkway along the side and small rowboat tied to it, but the sloped and undercut bow seems appropriate for grounding on the near bank. The clarity is excellent. The flat-bottom boat is at the far bank and three men stand at its bow. Two wagons with their two-horse teams are on board, along with another horse or two beside them and partially visible. One man sits in the closest wagon. Another sits astride one of the horses drawing the second, in which a woman wearing a straw bonnet seems to be seated.

A large rope extends from the right of the ferry and runs out of sight to the viewer’s left. A large timber frame appears on a hill to the rear of the ferry with what seems to be a cable running from the top, down toward the river, also to the viewer’s left, perhaps part of a windlass system for drawing the ferry across the river, though the walkway along the side suggests it might have been moved by poles at one point.

The subject is unusual and a vivid reminder of rural life in the 1860s. The image is clear enough to show the reflection of the passengers in the water. It come from the collection of the late Bill Turner, so it may be a Virginia scene. It is housed in a figural full thermoplastic case with nice raised, floral and geometric motifs. The mat, glass and frame are in place. The purple velvet facing pad is there, but shows wear and loss of the nap.  [sr][ph:m]

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