Mr. Hamlock, identified by the manuscript inscription on the reverse as "Mr. Hamlock and his Dancing Doll Partner," poses with his full-size performing doll in this remarkable occupational cabinet card by Jos. Neff of the Pioneer Gallery, 1212 South Main Street, Dayton, Ohio. The subject is a variety performer whose act centered on a life-size articulated figure dressed as an elderly woman, manipulated from behind in a technique that predates the lap dummy format that would later dominate ventriloquism and allowed for full-body movement including dancing. The image is among the most visually striking performer portraits in the cabinet card format.
Hamlock stands behind the doll with his arms wrapped around it, one hand raised holding a silk top hat in a theatrical gesture of greeting. The doll is dressed in a dark bodice, white apron, checked skirt, mob cap with ribbon trim, and small round spectacles, her face modeled as an aged woman with exaggerated features. Hamlock himself wears a dark suit, bow tie, and a goatee mustache, his expression composed and showman-like as he presents his partner to the camera.
The reverse bears the elaborate red-printed imprint of Jos. Neff, Pioneer Gallery, No. 1212 South Main St., Opposite Fair Grounds, Dayton, Ohio. The manuscript inscription at the upper reverse reads "Mr. Hamlock and his Dancing Doll Partner."
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