This is a striking late 19th century cabinet card photograph taken by Rugg, whose studio was located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He proudly advertises himself on the reverse as “The Only Studio on the Ground Floor.” That bold imprint alone places this image firmly in the flourishing studio era of the 1880s–1890s. The photograph depicts a gentleman posed formally in full ceremonial fraternal regalia. He stands erect and composed, wearing a dramatic plumed helmet (shako-style) topped with a full feather plume. The helmet bears an insignia at the front, though not clearly legible enough to definitively assign to one organization. His uniform consists of a dark, double-breasted frock coat with two vertical rows of polished buttons, heavy fringed epaulettes at the shoulders, decorative braided sleeve ornamentation, and a wide ornamental belt plate at the waist. He wears white gloves and holds a ceremonial sword across his torso. A whistle or lanyard hangs from his chest, adding to the martial presentation. The overall uniform style strongly suggests affiliation with a late 19th century fraternal military-style organization. Most likely candidates include the Knights Templar (Masonic branch) or the Uniform Rank of the Knights of Pythias, both of which were extremely active in Minnesota during this period and are well known for elaborate plumed helmets and sword-bearing regalia. The gentleman’s prominent handlebar mustache and direct gaze give the portrait considerable presence. This is a classic example of Victorian fraternal pride and ceremonial pageantry. Based on mount style and studio imprint, the card likely dates to circa 1885–1895. This photo is an excellent piece of Minneapolis history and 19th century fraternal imagery. The photographer of this cabinet card image, was Arthur Rugg. Judging by other images by Rugg in my collection, Rugg was a talented photographer who had a propensity to take relatively close-up photographs. Turns out, he was also a scoundrel. Rugg received notice for being involved in a major lawsuit that had impact on the profession of photography. The American Journal of Photography (1890) reported that the Supreme Court of Minnesota handed down a decision against Rugg for selling a copy of Mrs. Ida E. Moore’s photograph “which was put on exhibition in improper places, much to the discredit of the lady”. He was ruled to have had no right to the picture which legally belonged to the sitter (Ms. Moore). She won her suit for damages of five thousand dollars although it is not clear if that was the actual amount awarded. Another photography journal of that time reported more specifics of the case. It seems that Rugg had given one of Ms. Moore’s pictures to a police detective named Clark, who showed the photos in a number of houses of ill repute in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area. The court ruled that although the negatives of the photograph belonged to Rugg, he could not print photographs from those negatives without permission from Ms Moore. Mr Rugg seems to have lacked some ethics in this instance.
This cabinet card has gold gilded and scalloped edges. The card is in very good antique condition. The photograph retains strong clarity and contrast. There is mild corner wear consistent with age. There are no creases of tears. The decorative scalloped gilt edge remains intact. Studio imprint on reverse is bold and attractive (See Scans).
This real photo postcard is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $38.00 or best offer.
Interested collectors may view the listing here:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/236356044804
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 