Here we have a rare and historic mammoth tintype of the historic Globe Hotel, capturing the lumber boomtown era of Alpena Michigan. You’re looking at a rare piece of 19th-century American photography and Michigan history. The original, large-format mammoth plate tintype (or Imperial Plate) captures a dynamic street scene outside the historic Globe Hotel in Alpena, Michigan. The photograph clearly depicts the Globe Hotel, Alpena, Michigan, a landmark built in the early 1880s to serve the booming local lumber industry. The name "GLOBE HOTEL" is visible on the building facade.
The large image captures a lively moment in time, showing a group of figures standing on the hotel's two-story balcony and ground-level porch. A horse-drawn carriage or omnibus advertising candy and cigars is prominently featured in the foreground, surrounded by men and children ready to wheel and deal. This may be documenting the rebuilt Globe Hotel after the original burnt down. Either way, this is a primary source document of the era with an edge and size you rarely see.
Mammoth tintypes (typically 10x14 inches or similar) are exceedingly rare, as they were difficult and costly to produce in the 19th century. This is a monumental example of early outdoor photography. There isn’t a maker’s mark so we’re dealing
The rare antique photograph comes out of a Minnesota estate containing some very rare and unusual photography and historical items. It’s likely the mammoth tintype was created in the 1880-90 range.
The framed mammoth tintype measures about 12" tall x 14” wide x 2” deep. The exposed tintype measures 9 1/4” wide by 7 1/2” tall. The tintype is in very good shape with a few slight creases visible if you shine a light a certain way. However, the sharpness of the image really pops and shines. Please see all pics as they are part of the description.
I ship FedEx to street addresses in the continental USA only (no PO boxes). Free shipping on the historic 19th century photograph.
Everyone just needs to chill while we take 60 minutes to take this photo and capture boomtown history.
