Hi Everyone!
It's been 7 months since this original post and I must say I'm still at a complete standstill with this piece!
I've taken it it to experts. "Photogravure" has been ruled out [and documented]. But of the many evaluations I've been able to get over the months, not one of them are definitive or confirming as to print process.
In other words, I still do not know what it is that I have here and it's driving me crazy!
Silver Gelatin and Platinum are suspect, but due to confusion on the age of this piece and type of paper it was printed on so far no one can confirm for me what this is, and the mystery continues!
I was advised to remove it from the glass frame and have it professionally mounted [which I've done].
It's been viewed under microscopic contraptions, and the paper blacklighted to test for age, and still I'm advised to have it further investigated.
How can this be? I've pretty much exhausted my resources and am baffled as to what to do next.
I also contacted Aperture [who apparently controls Stiechen's work in some way] and the first thing I was asked was if this piece was acquired through them..[there would be a watermark]...when I said "No, it was purchased at an estate sale", the woman suggested I contact the original owner. I said "That would be impossible due to the fact that she's passed"...the woman then suggested I contact the next of kin.
[[[shaking head]]]
Another expert, a gallery owner, who has been in the business for over 30 years and a big fan of Steichen's work said
"If I don't know what this is, that's a very good thing, it means you have something"
...ok...BUT WHAT?
Help 
