Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790), Founding Father of the United States, vintage cabinet card photograph. Considered "the First American," Franklin was also a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. He is perhaps best known as the inventor of the lightning rod.

Featuring a statue of Benjamin Franklin located in Boston, Massachusetts, this 19th century cabinet card photograph is entitled, "Grand Patriotic Tableau: or The Spirit of 1776." Pencil notation in an unknown hand dates the photograph: "4th July 1870." Verso features vintage advertisement from "the San Francisco P. Gazette, Feb. 6 1864, 'Fred'k Coombs, the Pioneer Ditch Digger,' who has given away thousands of dollars to poor ladies to assist them in getting married."

Measuring approximately 4.25 x 6.5, this cabinet card photograph is in overall fine condition, with the expected age wear.