Photo Mystery #7,687 ... solved!

[imagine.ink]

Way, way back on the BSB ... probably around 2011-2012 because it was when we still lived in Severna Park, Maryland ... I posted a photo mystery for my acclaimed BSB colleagues to help me solve: 

The question:  What is that furry thing lying on the little girl's chest in this 1860s photo?

Guesses ranged from:

A kitten?

A toy?

A small animal preserved by taxidermy?

A lock of a deceased loved one's hair?

Finally, after over a decade of owning this photo, I solved the mystery!!!!!

Yesterday, at an antique mall, I ran across this innocuous postcard dating from around 1910 (it only cost 25 cents, so I bought it for research purposes):

The similarities (a furry thing tied by a ribbon) were undeniable.

The answer:

It's a "lucky" rabbit foot!

[mmadigan]

Maybe a rabbit leg.  It look much bigger than the rabbit foot I remember as a kid.

[philohorse]

I've always enjoyed your photo postings, keep them coming, thanks for keeping the board alive.

[bugler1998]

I agree with mmadigan.  Think about the size of a rabbits foot or leg.  Not nearly that big.

Having said that, I also love the mystery photos.

[figtree3]

I don't remember the previous thread, but thanks for the update! I would have said kitten, or maybe stuffed animal.