Holding On: Unusual Composition, Unusual Looking Child, Striking Antique Sixth Plate Tintype moveable rudder with one delight after another

with one delight after another revealing itself

I purchased this from one of my favorite dealers

contested--than eggs

6 11/16" t x 4 5/8" w x 3/8" thick (1" d with hooks

Holding On: Unusual Composition, Unusual Looking Child, Striking Antique Sixth Plate Tintype moveable rudder with one delight after anotherI presume there is a hidden mother at far left here, from whom this young child looks not quite ready to be separated yielding an unusual image and one that feels to me quite a tender portrait of the desire to hold on. And while I am not sure It also appears to me that this child may have Down Syndrome, making it even more unusual. 3 7 8 x 2 1 2 and in very good condition. Clipped corners and a bit unevenly cut as evident. Though there is the