Figure 1.--This tin-type portait shows a brother and sister wearing identical plaid dresses with what looks like a lay on lace collar. The portait is undated, but we would guess was taken in the 1880s. The 1890s is possible, but the collar suggests that the 80s is more likely. The children look to be about 4-7 years old. Notice that the boy's hair has been cut very short.

This tin-type portait shows a brioyher and sister wearin identical plaid dresses with what looks like a lay on lace collar. The portait is undated, but we would guess was taken in the 1880s. The 1890s is possible, but the collar suggests that the 80s is more likely. The children look to be about 4-7 years old. Notice that the boy's hair has been cut very short. A reader writes, "The picture certainly is interesting. The two children are wearing identical dresses with a front sash/belt that matches. The children have fancy matching lace collars and the boy wears a ribbon as a tie I believe. The girl may as well but if so, hers did not become undone. The two also wear lace cuffs on their outfits. The girl's is easier to tell. I suspect they two are detachable like the collars. The satin belt in front (I think it is satin) is probably black. Both children wear long stockings but if they are also the same shade, it is too difficult to tell due to the sister's legs being in shadow. The shoes appear to also be matching button together shoes, but it is difficult to be certain. When you look closely at the boy's right leg, you can see the outline of his long underwear (at first I thought it was a fold) but the stockings were smoothed over to ensure that nice look (by either the photographer or a parent). The boy's hair is close cropped while the sister's hair is in curls and long. But that seems to be the only concession to gender dressing here."

Created: 8:47 AM 10/9/2020
Last updated: 8:48 AM 10/9/2020