San Francisco: Elite Photographic Studio, [circa 1880-1881].
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Unbound. Large cabinet or boudoir photograph. Image size 5" x 8" on slightly larger card with studio back mark of Elite Photographic Studio. Photograph of an artist's illustration of the 237 foot tower looming over the streets of San Jose. Designed by J. Gash, the tower was designed and built in 1881. The back mark suggests that the studio won awards in 1879 and 1880, perhaps this card was issued before construction was completed. The tower collapsed in 1915, damaged by a storm. Reportedly French agents stole the plans for the tower and delivered them to Alexandre Gustave Eiffel where they were used to design the Eiffel Tower; in 1990 San Jose sued Paris for copyright infringement. Slight age-toning, small inoffensive crease at one corner, a little foxing, overall very good. A handsome boudoir card a notable California landmark.
Item #399578
