ca1878 MASTER TOMMY FISH CDV PHOTOGRAPH - 1st MUSICAL CHILD PRODIGY CORNETIST

Description

VERY rare and original, ca1878 CDV Photograph of Master Tommy Fish – the acclaimed Cornetist and considered by historians to be the first American Musical Child Prodigy.
This fantastic, period CDV Photograph measures approx. 2 1/4” by 3 3/4” and is mounted on its original, photographer’s Card Mount (card measures approx 2 1/2" by 4 1/8"). The CDV carries the mark of the photographer – Loud & Bro. of Philadelphia.
The Photo pictures a young and emaciated looking boy wearing velvet pants and a sash and playing the cornet. Printed text below the image reads “Master Tommy Fish”. This image appears to have been taken near the end of Master Tommy’s short lived career – he first performed onstage at the age of 4 and retired 5 years later apparently due to his deteriorating health.
Thomas Frederick Fish Jr. was born in Rhode Island in 1869. His father, Thomas Fish Sr., was an immigrant from England and a well known musician of Providence, RI. In 1873 Thomas Sr. brought his 4 year old son, Master Tommy Fish, onto a stage in Centredale, R. I. to play a number of cornet solos with violin accompaniment by his father. It was reported that the boy cornetist "greatly impressed the audience with a pureness of tone, force and time" not found in the performance of the best adult cornetest of the time. Many opined that it was the most wonderful musical performance it had ever been their pleasure to hear. With that introduction, "Master Tommy" headed for America's music hall circuit.
Tommy Fish is considered the first American Musical "Child Prodigy" and begining at the age of 4 he was a popular performer in theaters throughout the country - as far west as Wisconsin and as far south as New Orleans. It appears that by 1878 Tommy's star had tarnished and at the ripe old age of 9 he retired from the stage apparently due to poor health.
This rare and wonderful, ca1878 CDV Photograph is in excellent condition. The Image itself is clean and crisp and exhibits sharp focus, strong contrast and rich, warm tonality. The Card Mount is also clean and crisp and very well preserved with light soiling on the reverse.
A very rare and original, ca1878 CDV Photograph of Master Tommy Fish – the acclaimed Cornetist and considered by historians to be the first American Musical Child Prodigy and a fantastic addition to any collection!!
Overseas shipping is extra and cost will be quoted at bidders request. Massachusetts residents must add 6.25% sales tax.
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