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Original 1905 “Dentists of Detroit, Past and Present” Composite Photograph
Offered is an original 1905 composite portrait photograph titled “Dentists of Detroit, Past and Present.” This remarkable historical piece documents the dental profession in Detroit at the beginning of the twentieth century and features well over one hundred individually identified dentists arranged around a central portrait.
Unlike many later reproductions, this example is an original photographic print on Kodak photographic paper, with the reverse bearing the manufacturer’s marking:
“This Paper Manufactured by Kodak.”
The print is credited:
* Portraits by C. M. Hayes & Co.
* Copyright 1905 by F. DuSouchet, 94 Reade St., New York
DuSouchet is well known for producing professional composite portraits documenting physicians, dentists, lawyers, business leaders, and civic organizations throughout the United States during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These works were generally produced by subscription for the professionals depicted, making surviving examples significantly less common than mass-produced prints.
This photograph represents an important record of Detroit’s professional community during a period of extraordinary growth in the city’s history.
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Historical Significance
This piece combines several areas of collecting interest:
* Early Detroit history
* Michigan history
* Dental and medical history
* Genealogy
* Antique photography
* Professional memorabilia
Each individual portrait is captioned with the dentist’s name, making this an exceptional genealogical resource in addition to an impressive display piece.
Comparable examples are preserved in institutional collections, including the Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry at the University of Michigan, underscoring the historical importance of these early professional composites.
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Condition
Please review all photographs carefully, as they are part of the description.
Overall, the piece presents well but shows expected wear consistent with more than 120 years of age, including:
* Age toning
* Foxing and discoloration
* Wear and damage along the left margin
* General wear consistent with age
* Framed
No attempt has been made to clean or restore the photograph.
Measurements
Photo: 11” × 14”
Frame: 12” × 15”
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Shipping
The photograph will be carefully packed with protective corner guards, generous padding, and a sturdy box to help ensure safe delivery.
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Keywords
Detroit Michigan history, dentists, dentistry, dental history, medical history, genealogy, antique photograph, Edwardian, Kodak paper, F. DuSouchet, C. M. Hayes, composite portrait, professional photograph, historical memorabilia.
