As I examined Fanny and Peter's portraits I noticed that the tied back curtain shown in both photographs appears to be the same; slight discrepancies can be accounted for with variation of camera angle and point of view. So it seems that the two photographs must have been made at the same studio, perhaps at the same time. The reverse of the card is filled with tantalizing information that poses more questions than it answers. Fun!

First, there is my mother's handwriting again, noting the vital statistics. In a different hand is the address where Peter and Fanny lived, also "Mrs. P. Kauffman". Then there is the stamped name and address of the portrait studio along with a possible job number, and perhaps a price. No tax stamp on the back of this CDV, though. My imagination kicks in. Were these portraits done at the same time? If so, why no tax stamp on Peter's? There is a strange tan square on the back of Fanny's – is it the remnant of an additional stamp? Did Peter and Fanny travel to Mascot Portrait Company in Chicago or did the photographer travel to a location closer to them in Charlotte, MI? Was the CDV of Peter sent to the photographer to reference for the "bust" that was noted on the back? The "2.50" on the card looks like a price but much too high for the original CDVs (the 2 cent tax stamp was for photographs that cost 25 cents or less) so perhaps it was the price for an enlarged "bust". Peter volunteered for military duty during the Civil War, commissioned July 29, 1862 and and honorably discharged March 5, 1863. All before the period of tax stamps. Was his portrait made first? Did Fanny order the "bust" in his absence? Will I ever have all the answers? I imagine not, but, as I now know so much more than when I first saw these portraits, I hope to have an even better understanding of them in the future.

I am particularly interested in whether it was common for CDV photographers to travel. I really want to know whether Fanny and Peter went to the photographer, or the photographer traveled to some place near them. This will suggest so much more about their lives. I welcome any thoughts about it.