Mourning Symbol? 1/4 Plate Ruby Ambrotype Woman With Dove Bird 1850s Photo snakes with name in pencil on

with name in pencil on the back

On the back in period writing is an excellent handwritten note in period pencil: Willie age 7 years & 9 months old weight 50 pounds Billy his Shetland Pony age 4 1/2 years weight 450 pounds for Mother & Father

but since it's behind glass I can't tell positively what it is or whether it can be brushed or cleaned off

it appears to be a lake scene with a turret or tower on the right-hand side

The Newsweek article claimed that this was the Exchange Hotel in downtown Methuen

Mourning Symbol? 1/4 Plate Ruby Ambrotype Woman With Dove Bird 1850s Photo snakes with name in pencil onOriginal 1 4 ambrotype on ruby colored glass behind mat and cover glass in half of a case. Image seems to be in VG antique condition, possibly with some light wear surface grime. Boxed shipping. 7920e