Antique Tintype Photo of Group at Coney Island, Late 19th Century. An excellent tintype of a group two men and two women with an illustrated backdrop showing a small glimpse of the Elephantine Colossus. The backdrop illustration also includes a smaller rendering of “Taylor’s Photo Gallery,” which was likely added as an advertisement for the shop that took the photo.

The Elephantine Colossus also known by its function as the Elephant Hotel, was a tourist attraction located on Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York City. A great example of novelty architecture, the seven story structure was designed by James V. Lafferty. The structure stood above Surf Avenue and West 12th Street from 1885 until 1896, when it burned down in a fire. The thirty-one room building originally acted as a concert hall and amusement bazaar. It was the second of three elephant buildings built by Lafferty, preceded by the extant Lucy the Elephant near Atlantic City and followed by The Light of Asia in Cape May.

Condition: Excellent antique condition, some light wear to edges.

Specs: 3 3/8” height, 2 3/8” width