Weird Beard

[Shotgun Steve]

Terrific almost half plate size (5"h x 31/2"w) tintype of an elderly man sitting amidst a group of boulders at the base of a tree. In one hand he holds his walking stick and in the other his spectacles, while his hat rests next to him. Of all the varieties of Victorian men's facial hair, this man's is one of the oddest. Though his cheeks and chin are clean shaven, he definately has a beard growing down over his collar! A few minor dents, and some crackling to the emulsion at the bottom of the image. Else, in very nice condition. Uncased.

[Irish Dave]

Also interesting to note:
1) The pointed tip of his fold-down collar.
2) The taller crown height of the "derby" hat or bowler.
3) His boots/shoes (sans lacing or buttons) that might well be "congress" style with what appears to be one-piece fronts.
4) Are we sure there are specs in his right hand, or could that be both ends of a watch chain on his vest? Looks like the latter to me. Seems an odd grip to be holding spectacles....

[Steel Horse Bailey]

I've seen Amish men wear the same style of beard.

[Shotgun Franklin]

Hmmm, looks like an older NDN to me.

[Skeeter Lewis]

Try this one of Thoreau. It's called a neck beard.

http://thoreau.eserver.org/large1.gif

Here's another -  Horace Greeley no less

.http://www.poultneyhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/gallery/people/Horace-Greeley.jpg

Another of Greeley. (It's just such a great beard)

http://listverse.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/hm-horacegreely-explore-pa-history.jpg

I guess it was a high-powered intellectual's beard.

[northwestgrizzly]

That type always reminded me of a Lion's mane.