A very rare cabinet card photograph of John Nelson Darby [1800-1882]. I don't actually recall ever having handled one before.

Darby is of course considered to be the father of Dispensationalism and Pre-tribulational Rapture theology, etc., and was an early leader among the Plymouth Brethren. His theology is, in large part, what was popularized in America and thus became the dominant eschatology through the Scofield Reference Bible. 

Fascinatingly, the present cabinet card was published in New York. We wonder whether it was perhaps published in conjunction with the famed Prophetic Conference of 1878, held in New York City. Speakers including S. H. Kellogg, A. J. Gordon, James H. Brookes, etc., all pre-millennial adventists of one variety or another. That seems to be the only logical connect I can think of. 

Published O'Neil, 31 Union SQ. New York. Some toning, small stain on upper right. Mid-century felt tip biography of Darby on the rear in a neat hand.