Flipping the bird 19th century style

It's been a while since I shared any of my antique photos with you all. I can't even remember when the last time was, so I owe you a good one.

Click on the photo for the close-up... you will see that sister number three is indeed flipping the bird, and I believe (because I realllly want to) that she meant to do it. Just look at the hint of a smirk on her lips! And then look at the other two sisters. If they were your sisters you would be flipping the bird too. The one standing looks like she might be trying to control the photographer with her mind. The girl in the middle seems to be torn between the two - she knows what the troublemaker on the floor is doing but must remain dignified since sister number one is holding her down with her vice-grip of a hand.

Three lovely sisters from Pennsylvania, USA. Photographed by Nick & Knecht, Excelsior Traveling Artists, circa 1865.

(Before anyone says that it's not her middle finger... just work with me! It's funnier to think that she is being naughty... don't you think?)