American Historical Ephemera and Photography

Lot comprised of 30 daguerreotypes. Plate sizes include half plate (1), quarter plate (2), sixth plate (20), ninth plate (6), and sixteenth plate (1).

Highlights include: Half plate daguerreotype of a painted portrait of a man housed under mat with ribbon affixed to backing identifying the subject as "Hans Presten Reiersen, B. 1781- D. 1836, Great Great Grandfather to Harold" (tarnish and spotting to plate, mat fully separated from backing). -- Quarter plate daguerreotype portrait of a gentleman, his clothing suggesting that he is a member of the legal profession or clergyman (image a bit faint, few spots on plate). Housed in leatherette case (scuffing and partial separation at hinge). -- Quarter plate daguerreotype of an aged man wearing a serious expression (tarnish to edges). Housed in leater case with gilt details (fully separated at hinge). -- Sixth plate daguerreotype, full-standing portrait of a young man with arms crossed (tarnish, some spotting to plate). Housed in half leather case (scuffing). -- Sixth plate daguerreotype providing an intimate shoulder-length portrait of a young man wearing a large bowtie (image a bit dark, else very good). Housed in leather case (some surface wear). -- Ninth plate daguerreotype portrait of a young man, housed under mat with preserve and cover glass, no case, with paper advertisement on back of plate advertising "James & Co.'s 25 cent Daguerreotype and Photographic Rooms," Boston, MA (tarnish to edges). -- Sixteenth plate daguerreotype of a bearded fellow (tarnish to edges). Housed in pressed paper case (some surface wear). -- And 23 others. Conditions vary. Some without cases. -- Together, 30 daguerreotypes of varying sizes featuring men.