Hand-Colored French Cabinet Card of 23rd Regiment French Dragoon by Stevenin, Circa 1870s

This antique (circa 1870s) cabinet card with a 23rd Regiment Dragoon (Dragon in French) was taken and hand-colored (more than likely by the studio) by photographer Désiré Stévenin of Sedan, France. The reverse of the card toward the bottom edge has inked, "Papa Louis. 23e Dragons Sedan."

The photographer, Stévenin, was born in 1849 and died in 1924. The date ascribed to the photograph is an estimate based on the uniform, particularly the dragoon's helmet. Please see https://thelanesarmoury.co.uk/shop.php?code=25225. The helmet shown is very similar, if not the same, to the one worn by the dragoon in the photo. The red plume, black horsehair and gold helmet bear a striking resemblance.

Dimensions 4.5" x 6.5".

*****Condition: Please note the photo is lifting up from the bottom edge where it was adhered to the card. Also, there is bowing to the card so that it does not lie flat. Repair may be undertaken to re-adhere the photo to the card and flatten the entire cabinet card, but I've left this decision up to the new owner's discretion. Also, the entire cabinet card has significant edge wear, especially to the front. Along the edges, there are peeled and missing pieces of border. Finally, the reverse of the card has damage to the studio advertisement in the form of missing areas and soiling. The front of the card/photo also exhibits soiling to a certain degree. Please examine the photos carefully and let me know if you need more as I'll be happy to oblige.

Thank you for looking.