An arresting, abstract carte de visite image of a large cylindrical mechanical brake shoe or industrial drum component, photographed in a clean, almost artistic manner. The sharply focused image reveals mounting points and machined elements, suggesting a prototype or manufactured part, possibly for documentation or patent submission.

The composition and isolation of the object elevate this beyond a utilitarian image—it carries the quiet geometry and minimalism of early industrial design photography. No photographer’s imprint, but consistent with studio work from the 1870s–1880s.

An unusual, likely one-of-a-kind technical CDV with crossover appeal to collectors of engineering, early technology, and photographic oddities.