721

1916 Framed Alaskan Photo by John E. Thwaites

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:100.00 - 300.00 USD
1916 Framed Alaskan Photo by John E. Thwaites
Featured in this lot is this photograph taken by John E. Thwaites on the Alaskan Coast on January 22nd, 1916. John Edward Thwaites was employed in Alaska by the federal government as a clerk for the Railway Mail Service during the early part of the 20th century. From 1905 to 1912 he settled into life onboard the wood hulled mailboat S.S. DORA owned by the Northwestern Steamship Company and traveled the route from Valdez to Unalaska delivering mail to the coastal communities. He was also an amateur photographer, who by using a Kodak camera, documented his experiences in Southeastern Alaska. Although not trained as a professional photographer, he quickly took advantage of the burgeoning postcard market selling thousands of photographic postcards depicting Alaska scenes. The photo depicts crew members standing on their boat, the U.S. Northwestern Steamer, after they have endured a snow storm. The boat is coated in large free form ice from the ropes, the metal bars, and halfway up the masts. The description on the bottom of the photo reads, "Northwestern Steamer, Alaska, Jan. 22nd, 1916". The photo is behind glass and set in a wooden frame. The photo is in good condition for its age but does have slight browning towards the edges. The frame is in good condition with slight wear from its use and age. The piece measures 17 1/4" L x 21 1/2" W.