Three domestic servants posed outdoors anchor this sixth plate tintype, likely made in the 1880s based on the pronounced leg-of-mutton sleeve styles visible on two of the women. All three wear dark patterned dresses beneath white aprons, and the grouping has the frank, unposed quality of working women photographed on the job rather than in a studio. No photographer's imprint is present.

The seated woman at center rests her hand on a full corn-broom, its bristled head at her feet, while a long-handled mop or floor brush leans against a makeshift table behind her. The standing woman at right grips the mop handle and faces the camera squarely, her ruffled lace collar and bow prominent against a light dress. A ceramic cup and saucer sit on the table surface, and a woven basket is visible in the background. The woman at left holds a folded cloth or apron in both hands.

The outdoor setting, with a canvas tent or draped fabric backdrop and rough plank wall visible behind the group, suggests the photograph was taken at a work site or domestic service property rather than a portrait studio, giving the image an uncommon documentary character among occupational tintypes of the period.

The tintype is housed in a leather case with a gilt brass mat and red velvet liner; the embossed case back displays a repeating concentric circle pattern.

From the collection of James Lee Soffer