Lot 731: Mid-19th Century Daguerreotype Portrait of a Gentleman in a Leather Case
A mid-19th-century daguerreotype photograph featuring a half-length portrait of a young gentleman. The subject is depicted in formal dress, wearing a dark frock coat and a bow tie. The image is presented behind glass within an ornate gilt-brass mat, which features an oval aperture and a textured scrollwork border. The entire assembly is housed in a leather-covered wooden case with a hinged lid. The interior lid is finished with a deep red velvet lining. An orange paper lot label with the handwritten number 731 is attached to the velvet pad. No maker marks, stamps, or signatures are visible on the case or the image assembly.
Condition report:
The daguerreotype plate shows significant signs of age and environmental exposure, including widespread dark oxidation spots and surface tarnish across the entire image area. The leather covering of the case exhibits wear and scuffing, particularly along the edges and corners. The internal red velvet lining is faded and shows signs of wear and compression from the mat. The structural integrity of the case and its hinge remains intact.
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