At first I took these two for brothers, but the note on the reverse of the tintype identifies them by name as Karl Apin, left, and Robert Leclais, at right, described (in Latvian) as the owner of Riga's in Cleveland, this photo dated 1904. I've found a definitive record for Karl Apin, born in Riga, Livonia (Latvia) in 1864 and died in Cleveland 1918. In the later part of the 19th century and early 20th Cleveland saw a significant influx of Latvian immigrants, the largest concentration from Riga, who formed a tight knit community, which one assumes Robert's business, whatever it was (perhaps menswear!), actively served. It appears to me that Karl is blind--but it clearly did not stop him from dressing with aplomb. I find it quite a striking image in many regards (down to the "x" of the back of the bench they sit on perfectly crossed between them), and all the richer for being able to specifically identify and place them.
3 1/2" x 2 3/8". Good condition, with a white-ish line arching vertically toward left edge, I would guess from being formerly held in a sleeve or case, and clipped left corners as evident.
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