Oval tintype 1.5x1-7/8” in a frame 1-7/8x2.25”. This is a fascinating oval tintype brooch possibly of a political delegate, politician or a member of a political group such as the Lincoln Wide-Awakes who in 1860 claimed over 400,000 members nationwide. The man shown in the photo is wearing a patriotic bunting type necktie with design similar to flag stripes. He is also wearing a long rectangular ribbon with a large round rosette at the top. There are at least 4 lines of text on the ribbon and some individual letters can be discerned (in reverse) but we are unable to decipher individual words. The tintype is in its original brass frame with wide flowing twisted brass edge. The tintype is covered by its thick original beveled glass. When viewed on an angle, like many tintypes, there are a few age striation lines and a few tiny bubbles in the emulsion. These appear to be totally stable. There is some dust which shows up as white specks, mostly around the outer perimeter. The reverse is missing its horizontal bar pin although the pin hinge and catch are present. A fascinating photo that perhaps could be deciphered by means of a high-powered microscope.