Daguerreian Society Annual Benefit Auction

A fine half plate of J. Franklin Reigart (1813-1884), sitting at a studio table surrounded by papers and ledgers, an inkstand with quill pens, and a paneled flint glass whale oil lamp. Housed in a full case, with the brass mat stamped "Ambrotype by T. and W. Cummings."

Riechert, a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania was an engineer by training who served as Solicitor for the United States Patent Office. Reichert was also a prolific writer, penning books on Robert Fulton as well as the history of the American flag. The photographers are listed in Craig's Daguerreian Registry as operating a studio in Lancaster between 1857-1860. WITH a book titled Inventor and Patentees Guide 1854, by J. Franklin Reigart, published by John Baer and Sons, Lancaster, with Reigert's book plate. Housed in a wooden box with the gold-filled label "Franklin Reigart, Solicitor of Patents, City of Washington, D.C." with albumen photos of Reigart on the box cover and interior of lid, inscribed inside the box "To my son. Samuel W. Reigart, October 13, 1864."