I'm always on the prowl for Victorian sea moss pressings, so was delighted to find this beautifully preserved, completely filled album of them (with a handful of extras to boot). They were gathered by an Abby Boutwell on Martha's Vineyard in 1881, who titled the album "Seaside Gleanings" on the title page. An excellent example, with the specimens, of which there are a wide variety, mounted to cards of consistent size, which can be easily removed from the album for framing now if desired. The majority of the specimens are identified with handwritten labels directly on the card. I especially love the shadow images age toning has yielded on the facing pages. Photos do no real justice; the color of the specimens is rich and each one beautiful, with very few if any losses at all. A lovely and rare find, and quite a nice portrait of sea moss variety on Martha's Vineyard in the late 19th c. too!
41 samples total--34 inserted into album, 7 loose (inserted in pocket at back inside cover.) Images are representative of all--every sample pretty much as good as the next. Album measures 9" x 7 1/2" x 1". Cards on which samples are mounted measure 5 3/4" x 4 1/4". All in very good condition.
