Featured 1939 NY Worlds Fair souvenir photo

As with many things rescued from the flooded basement of my former family home, this has only sentimental value - but I think it’s cool! Meet my Dad’s Dad, J. Gerard Tobin

 

Now if that doesn't say 30s, nothing does. Visiting the World's Fair in a suit and TIE. Nowadays you're lucky if the t-shirt has sleeves and a guy is wearing pants instead of shorts. Or pajama pants if it's a college-aged guy.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Mutoscope_Reel_Company

"The company also produced arcade photo booths under the name of "Photomatic". These produced a souvenir 2-5/8" x 3-1/16" metal-framed photo with the credit on the back, "Taken by the Photomatic."


This looks odd to me. Like maybe the portrait is a cut-out, or the background has been over-painted:


Not just the almost shadow-cast sharpness of the shoulder line, but also an unexpected curve where the lapel meets the face.

 

Hmmm…. Now I need to look again…

 

Good eye! I missed it completely. I wonder what happened?!?

 

Maybe done mechanically by the photo booth?

 

Just on the one side, and now seems obvious by comparison.

 

Art deco photoshop

 

No idea. Maybe just something to do with chemical distribution.

 

He was a handsome man!

 

You are lucky to have this early photo of your grandfather!

 

Very nice!