Included with this unique item is a letter from R.L. Wilson, author of numerous books on the history of American arms, in which he details the events that led to discovery of this album. While performing research in 1967, Wilson was provided access to the home of Robert Young, grandson of Gustave Young, whose attic was found to contain a virtual archive of one of the top names in American engraving, a "treasure trove" of documents and memorabilia, including this album, which then entered Wilson's personal collection. Marked "ALBUM" in gilt text on the spine, this photo album is laid out in the classic book format, with a brown leather cover, metal protectors on the front corners, a metal clasp, and a silver shield on the front cover bearing the monogram "MY" in a style that Wilson compares to a deluxe Colt or Smith & Wesson casing with a dot and line border in the style of the master engraver himself, implying that Gustave Young personally appointed this album. The front pages identify the maker as William T. Amies of Philadelphia, with the presentation page reading to "Mrs M. Young" from "Mrs. Thomas Gay". Thomas Gay and his wife have not been identified, but "M. Young" is identified by Wilson as Marie Young, wife of Gustave Young. Within the album are a card for C.S Gerlach, a photographer from Elgin Ill, an advertisement for Chauncey L. Moore & Co. of Springfield Mass, and 63 pictures of men, women and children. Also included with the letter is a document titled "List of Contents of the/Photo Album of Gustave and Marie Young/Dating from the 1850s/1860s to the 1890s"; though the Wilson header and credentials is absent, the hand signature on the front page, combined with the center-aligned, bolded headline in the style that graces Wilson's letters, indicate this as his personal inventory of the contents, including pictures identified as Marie & Gustave Young, their sons Alfred, Oscar and Eugene from different stages in their lives.

Very good. The exterior of the album shows mild scuffs, a few tears at the folds, and a small amount of play in the hardware. Minor tears are present in the pages and some fading of the contents appropriate to age. 95% of the original silver finish is present on the cover plaque, with a fine aged color overall and sharp engraving. A one of a kind item, documented to one of the most important names in American engraving by one of the top names in American arms writing (see website for more photos).