Antique E.F. Foley N.Y. Woman Portrait Photo c1910 Wood Frame 5.75x8.75 For Sale

Here\'s a really interesting old portrait we recently came across.
This is an antique photographic portrait of an unidentified woman, presented in its original wood frame under glass with its original backing.
The really interesting part of this one is the photographer attribution. A faint mark on the lower right of the photograph appears to read “E.F. Foley, N.Y.” Edward Frederick Foley was a New York photographer whose work is documented in museum and Library of Congress collections dating from the early 1900s through the 1930s. We found documented Foley portraits from the 1909–1917 period, making the attribution on this photograph particularly interesting.
Based on the woman\'s clothing, hairstyle, large period hat and photographic appearance, we believe this portrait dates approximately to 1910–1917. There is also a faint notation that may include “17,” although we cannot confirm that it represents the year 1917.
We have not been able to identify the woman, so we\'re leaving her identity open rather than making a guess.
The photograph measures approximately 5 3/4\" x 8 3/4\" overall in its frame.
Another wonderful detail is the original backing. It carries an old Montgomery\'s label from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, reading “Montgomery\'s ... The Best in Music & Art ... Portsmouth, N.H.” Historical material confirms Montgomery\'s was an established Portsmouth business dealing in pictures and frames. We believe the photograph may have been framed or sold through this establishment, although we cannot establish exactly when or under what circumstances.
The original wood frame has plenty of genuine age and use-related wear, including scratches, chips, scuffs and considerable finish loss. There is more noticeable damage at the lower-left corner.
The original rear backing is extremely old and fragile, with extensive cracking, tearing, creasing, discoloration and areas of loss. We have left it intact rather than replacing it because the original construction, including the Montgomery\'s label, is part of the appeal.
The photograph itself has age-related fading, toning, staining and surface wear. There is noticeable damage toward the lower portion of the photograph, but the woman\'s face remains clear and quite striking.
What makes this piece especially interesting is the combination of an identifiable New York photographer, an attractive early-20th-century portrait, an original period frame and an old Portsmouth, New Hampshire art-store label.
This would make a great addition to a collection of antique photography, E.F. Foley photographs, early 20th-century portraits, Edwardian photography, New York photography, Americana, photographic history, genealogy memorabilia or vintage gallery-wall decor.
Please study all photographs carefully. They are part of the description and show the actual item you will receive. Please ask any questions before purchasing.

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