[Blind Box] #5: Photograph with Dachshund
Item #05. Photograph of Man and Dachshund
- Creator: Unknown
- Object Type: Black and White Photograph
- Creation Date: Unknown
- Origin: Unknown
- Dimensions: 2 1/2 x 3 3/4 inches (120 full-frame film format)
Ah, the black and white snapshot…the copper penny of paper ephemera. Of course, as any avid penny collector will tell you, a coin’s true worth–like an old photo–lies in the story it has to tell. In this case, the story takes place near the margins.
The first striking detail about this gem is an indented border that resembles a printmaker’s plate mark. Here is the first tip-off that it is likely a contact print. A measurement confirms this hunch, as the image dimensions match that of standard 120 full-frame film (roughly 6 x 9 cm). Unfortunately, knowing this does little to help date the print, since 120 roll film is one of the few formats actually still in production.
Even more interesting perhaps is the photo’s ragged, faux deckled border. It calls to mind the fancy scissors of youth, brought out once a year to cut lacy red and pink hearts for homemade Valentines. Sure enough! deckled edging scissors do exist, along with an extensive list of more predictable undulations. Scrapbookers rejoice.
Finally, please visit the Dachshund Club of America’s mesmerizing, slightly unsettling animated tutorial of proper Dachshund walking motions.
