The plate came from a Maine, USA, estate. The tintype process never really caught on outside the U.S., so it is safe to assume this is of an American subject, probably from New England, since the plate was never divided into individual gem images.

The camera that made this image would have needed at least 16 individual lenses, since each likeness is identical - the entire plate was exposed only once. A likely candidate would have been the Gem Camera manufactured by John Roberts of Boston, Massachusetts. John Roberts' multi-lens cameras are prized items for collectors today and rarely seen.

Since the photographer would have divided the plate into individual gem images in his studio, to come upon one of these uncut sheets is a rare treat, and an excellent glimpse into the American craze of  "Penny Photography".