Interesting Photo on that auction website

**Dixiecat** · 4th June 14, 07:57 PM

Came across a photo while poking around ebay:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Antique-CDV-S...16.m2518.l4276

Not dated. I believe this is a death photo from the stand that you can see behind the subject, the way his left hand curls on his waist, and that the fly plaid is draped over the left arm.

Interesting treatment for his hose.

**tulloch** · 5th June 14, 06:21 AM

I know on some old photography procedures they would have a stand to help a person remain stationary during the long exposure period. Interesting photo. Thanks!

**jhockin** · 5th June 14, 02:56 PM

Zooming in, looks like his eyes are open...

**Piper** · 5th June 14, 04:54 PM

I agree that the photo is most likely taken from life. Being a southpaw myself, I'd like to think that this photo is proof that left handed highlanders dressed according to their dominant side. However, I'd be willing to bet that it's simply a case of the plate being reversed at the time of printing.

**BCAC** · 6th June 14, 01:47 AM

Originally Posted by Piper

I agree that the photo is most likely taken from life. Being a southpaw myself, I'd like to think that this photo is proof that left handed highlanders dressed according to their dominant side. However, I'd be willing to bet that it's simply a case of the plate being reversed at the time of printing.

The "plate" is not reversed. If worn, plaids are always worn over the left shoulder. Beverley was commenting on how the plaid is over his arm and not the fact the the plaid is on his left hand side.

**Chas** · 6th June 14, 03:13 AM

Originally Posted by BCAC

The "plate" is not reversed. If worn, plaids are always worn over the left shoulder. Beverley was commenting on how the plaid is over his arm and not the fact the the plaid is on his left hand side.

I agree. The dirk is on the right (and correct) hip, because a sword if worn would be on his left hip. The sword and the dirk being drawn with the opposite hand.

The stand behind him would have had a waist and/or neck gripper, to hold the body from moving. There might even have been a top-of-head clamp to stop the head moving. That is why hats often look awkwardly placed and not comfortable on the sitters head.

A photographic historian could probably date this picture to a 10 year span.