Artistic sixth-plate daguerreotype of an extremely self-confident and handsome boy. Standing in a stylish pose with his hand tucked into his pocket, the daguerreian has posed him in front of a stunning lake scene with ships on the water and a mountainous terrain in the far background. The railing on the lower portion and the drape on the left have created a beautiful fantasy balcony view. He wears a lovely suit with a long jacket and has a handkerchief tucked in this coat pocket and a cool symmetrical bow tie. His full, bushy hair has been perfectly styled and his eyes have a look of wonderment. There is a slightly hard to read pencil identification under the loose velvet mat that reads “H. R. Hitchcock, 8 years old.” A modern note included reads, “H.R. Hitcock, 8 yrs. old, possibly upstate New York, possibly Oneida County or vicinity.” This is a picture perfect portrait that is in excellent minus condition with great tones and contrast. It has been resealed with a new glass and it is housed in a full case. Thanks to our friend Mark Pence this is most likely Horace Rodney Hitchcock born 1845, Lewis County, NY and died in Detroit, MI in 1892. He enlisted as a Private January 1865 and was promoted to 1st Corporal in the NY 2nd Calvary. In 1870 in Hillsdale, MI he was listed a retail grocer but in 1880 he was listed as a physician in Howell, MI. There is a cdv posted on Ancestry. There is one article of an inquest about him possibly being poisoned but evidently no charges were filed as the cause of a death was listed as an enlarged heart.

We love when our initial reaction to seeing an image for the first time is “wow!” This breathtaking sixth-plate daguerreotype did exactly that. You are immediately enchanted by her red fur coat with stunning large ermine lapels and cuffs and accented by stylish black leather gloves. Once past the shock of brilliance over her outfit, her mesmerizing eyes and gorgeous smile take center stage. This stunning beauty’s hair has been gracefully styled and in a final level of brilliance the daguerreotypist has captured her portrait in brilliant detail. We see some small adorable freckles beneath her eyes and we love the tiny wisp of hair that has escaped just at the peak of her head. The image is in excellent minus condition with extremely strong tones and contrast. The hand tinting is exceptional, including the light highlights on her checks and lips. There appears to be light streaming in two lines on the right side from the skylight. The plate had old seals and we have resealed it with a new glass. It is housed in a “Basket of Flowers” case, Berg 5-116. While it doesn’t have a label, this case is attributed to John Plumbe Jr. The case has a slight warp on the front cover. Don’t miss out on this alluring daguerreotype!

Opening bid: $550

Current bid: $550

Exciting sixth-plate French daguerreotype by Eugène Casimir Volmerange-Oulif.  Volmerange-Oulif made his first daguerreotypes in 1839. He was the son of Catherine Volmerange and a local cloth merchant.  Eugène Casimir was born in Metz in Lorraine, on March 4, 1804, (for more information, see https://wikimonde.com). The handsome young man is identified on the back in cursive; we can decipher his name, Eugene, and that it appears he was 18 at the time. A scan of the identification is provided. For such an early period of photography we have to say this young man perfected the art of the pose as he gracefully leans on the table in a casual manner. He glances to the side and downward exhibiting, a self-confident and slightly superior attitude which we love! This is an early 1840’s daguerreotype judging by the heavier buffing and the softer focus of the earlier optics along with the simple 20 hallmark. There are a few very light small darker lines that are original to the process. The tones and contrast are both quite nice and there are some scattered small spots as seen. The plate had a loose old seal so we cleaned the inside of the glass and safely resealed the image. It is presented in a gorgeous white passe-partout mat with a stunning gold border. This is also mounted in a great wood frame that looks like it was designed for a large oval image. This was certainly the original frame as part of the photographer’s label was still attached to the frame. It presents with a fabulous offset presentation that gives the piece a wonderful depth. The heavily lacquered wood frame has some scratches and marks. We have safely covered the original back with an archival plastic and resealed it with clear archival tape.  Don’t miss out on a rarely seen French photographer!

Opening bid: $400

Current bid: $1200

Dazzling sixth-plate, 1840’s daguerreotype by John Plumbe and housed in a “Basket of Flowers” case, Berg 5-116. Although the mat is not marked, this background is attributed to Plumbe. The sharp plate shows a confident gentleman perfectly posed and framed by Plumbe’s beautiful backdrop. Tall and slender he has a hint of attitude and confidence that surely served him well. The pattern of his vest is one of the coolest we have seen and under magnification it is quite an illusion. It extends to his thin waistline where his striped pants take it to another level. In a final nod to his fashion sense, the fit of his fabulous vest perfectly frames his wonderful large tie. His hair is thinning but its fuzzy nature appears to show it moving in a breeze which is perfect for this outdoor theme! The plate is in excellent minus condition with great tones and contrast. The image had old seals intact and we have resealed it with a new glass. It had a simple 40 plate mark. The case has two stripes on the front and the back where the leather is worn off from someone previous placing tape on the case. There is no Plumbe label.

 Killer sixth-plate folk art daguerreotype of two sisters. This has to be one of our favorite painting daguerreotypes! The sisters are in similar outfits although the younger girls dress falls off her shoulders. The young sister holds a small red flower while the eldest also holds some flowers, but they are slightly distorted along with her hand on the bottom of the plate. Their dresses have a lovely natural green/blue hue when viewed with light. The plate had old seals intact and we have resealed it with a new glass. This one will bring a daily smile to your face! It is housed in a full case.

Spectacular English half-plate daguerreotype (4” x 5”) of an elderly blind gentleman in a solemn, solitary pose. Under magnification we can see that his eyelids are barely open and a certain deadness in the small area of his eyes is visible. While still stately, he now seems to be a simple man of the manor with his outfit harkening from a previous century. He holds his simple wooden cane for support. The daguerreotypist has definitely done justice for this man’s last portrait as the plate shimmers in the light. The tarnish is quite stunning giving the image a rich blue halo that we seldom see today. The whites and blacks perfectly complement each other with a lovely tonal quality. The image had an older seal still attached but the plate had moved slightly so there is a small rub on the top left edge of the mat and a tiny brush mark below. It is in excellent minus condition. There is a framer’s label on the back for Gladwell Brothers, Alfred Thomas Gladwell, Sole Surviving Partner. We have supplied a scan for the rest of the advertisement on the label. The frame measures 9 ½” x 11”. 

Opening bid: $280

Current bid: $410

Incredible military sixth-plate daguerreotype of a young soldier wearing a hat that reads CBB laterally reversed. A single bar sits on each shoulder and his simple belt has a plain buckle which leads us to believe this is possibly an early state militia daguerreotype. If anyone has any information to share it would be appreciated. He is certainly a serious looking chap with a cool chin beard and two curls peeking from his hat to cover his ears. The sharp plate has great tones and contrast and it has been cleaned sometime in the past. There are light lines throughout the plate especially when viewed at an angle. They resemble heavier buffing lines. We have resealed the daguerreotype with a new glass and it is housed in a full case.

Opening bid: $450

Current bid: $450

Exciting sixth-plate occupational daguerreotype of a handsome young painter posed with his large bucket and two brush handles visible at the rim. He holds a knife or a scraper suggesting that not he was only skilled at this profession but he didn’t take shortcuts. While his straw hat might suggest a rural man he is certainly professional looking.  He wears a white jacket draped over the top of his paint stained coveralls and a white shirt with accenting tie. He does appear slightly star struck with the photographic process. The image is in very good minus condition. It has been cleaned in the past and there are light buffing lines with a number of mat marks as seen. There is also a hint of an extremely small ding on the right side and if you hold this in strong light you will notice a gleam of a few other marks that are almost impossible to see. This charming daguerreotype has been resealed in the past and is housed in a full leather case.

Stunning large (2 ¼” x 2 ½”) two-sided gold daguerreotype swivel broach. On one side we see an exquisite young woman in a contemplative semi-profile pose. Her long thick locks have been styled upwards with a beautiful thin braid extending over her head. She wears a fashionable gown with fringed highlights just below her bust line. A fabulous designed lace collar is complimented by a large cameo broach. The image is in excellent minus condition with rich tones and tinting to her face and lips and gold-gilding to her jewelry. There are a few marks on the cover glass as expected. The back has a gentleman who could be her father or husband. He has a slightly more serious expression and is sporting a cool polka-dot vest which creates a wonderful illusion especially under magnification. His image is also in excellent minus condition with rich tones and contrast and a little less tint on his face. There is a scratch on the cover glass right at his forehead and a few spots on the underside of the glass. The broach is in excellent minus condition and could be pinned or hung as a large locket with the loop attached at the top. This is one of the most attractive examples we have seen.

Commanding, oversized, half plate (4 ¼” x 6 ¾”) French military portrait of Charles L'Heritier, former mayor of Nevers and Knight of the Imperial Order of the Legion of Honor, identified as seen with a modern mounted label on the mat just above the image.  Charles is posed in his spectacular dress military uniform and we see his Legion of Honor medal on his chest framed by his stark white epaulettes. His hat is also stunning with a dramatic flow of feathers streaming on the left side. His sword is firmly planted front and center. Under magnification we see embroidered designs on his collar which look like majestic birds. There is a date of 1845 on the bottom label.  This sharp hand-tinted daguerreotype has great tones and contrast. As seen, there are multiple light scratches, brush marks and swipes throughout the plate as is typical with a lot of European images yet it is a dynamic daguerreotype. There is a label on the back for J. Lemeunier 50 Rue Monge, Framing and gilding, cleaning of engravings, factory of frames of all types, and veneering of paintings. There is an additional typed identification label along with some contemporary gallery stamps. The simple but beautiful wooden frame has some wear in the top right corner and a hairline crack on the bottom left. It measures 10 ½” x 13” and would be impressive on your wall!

Mesmerizing sixth-plate oval daguerreotype by Samuel Broadbent of a breathtaking beauty. Posed in front of our favorite Broadbent backdrop this stunning woman leans on an open window frame with vines creeping down the column on the right. With this unique oval format her lovely intricate lace collar and her exquisite earrings take center stage over her simple but beautiful black gown. She smiles at Broadbent with her large brown eyes staring directly into the lens. Her hair is styled upward with a beautiful rope braid traversing her head. The plate is in excellent minus condition with strong, stunning tones and contrast. The leaves on the side even have a lovely natural hue. Her cheeks and lips also have a hint of red. The daguerreotype had old seals intact and we have cleaned the inside of the dirty glass and resealed it with archival tape. It is housed in a worn red/rust velvet case with a clasp format. There is some wear/loss of velvet here and there on the border. This is the first time we’ve offered an oval version of this Broadbent background and it will be a treasured part of your collection!

Unique pair of sixth-plate daguerreotypes of a husband and wife. He is posed in front of a dramatic background with a large ship sailing by him on the left and a smaller ship heading off into the horizon on the right. There are choppy waves below and a hint of blue sky above. We assume this gentleman was of the sea, most likely a captain as he is dressed in a formal suit that might be beyond the wages of a simple sailor. His wife is posed in an elegant black gown with a cape draped across her shoulders. Her heavy fabric collar has an unusual beehive design and a broach attached. Her finger is tucked inside a sixth-plate black-lacquered mother of pearl case. Both images had their old seals intact. They are slightly darker in tonal quality as seen, with hers being a little stronger in contrast, and both read nicely when lighted. They have hand tinting applied to their faces, and the wife has a lovely red also applied to her lips. There are some spots also visible.  We have resealed both plates with new glass and they reside in a lovely case with a floral and filigree design that we have not seen before.

Opening bid: $200

Current bid: $

Extraordinary 1840’s sixth-plate daguerreotype of a flamboyant gentleman with long, curly locks. He certainly doesn’t lack confidence as style is his middle name! He knows how to pose and use the camera to his full advantage and the daguerreotypist certainly accomplished their part to perfection. While choosing a simple lightweight black suit he has perfectly accessorized it with a beautiful white patterned vest and a dramatic large bow tie that lies perfectly on his lapels. The plate is in excellent condition with fabulous strong tones and contrast. His shirt has a pleasing blue solarization and we love the simple background. The plate had old seals and we have resealed it with a new glass. It is housed in an equally lovely case with a stylish design that matches the image: “Geometric”, Berg 5-60. Berg states that this case contains the number 1 Larwill Label although this one is plain. We have repaired the hinge with pneumatic leather and the inside has a red silk pad. The back of the case is plain. You will certainly treasure this dramatic daguerreotype!

Fabulous sixth-plate octagon daguerreotype of a sweet young girl. Her dress appears plain but has an interesting subtle pattern that is highlighted with pleats in the midsection and a lovely collar. She wears black lace fingerless gloves. The image is in very good plus condition with nice tones and contrast with a hint of tint to her face and lips. There are a few small tarnish spots as seen and at the far right edge there is a hint of a tiny ding that only shows if you catch the right light. The plate had old seals intact and we have resealed the plate with the original glass. It is housed in a gorgeous leather case with a burgundy velvet pad on the inside. We rarely see the leather version of the octagon case on the market. The left side of the case is missing the inside pin that holds the case closed. This could easily be replaced by an expert if desired but it certainly makes for an easy opening.

Opening bid: $85

Current bid: $85

Charming, large, gold, hanging open-faced locket with a daguerreotype of an attractive blonde-haired gentleman. Dressed in a nice suit with a fabulous plaid vest he looks rather sad, as if he might have suffered a loss. Mounted in the back window is a lock of his blonde hair or possibly that of the woman he mourns. The image has great tones and contrast and there is a plate mark/small scratches to the left, on the top and the hint of a fingerprint at the top edge in the tarnish. The locket without the loop included measures 2 ¼” x 2 5/8” and the back has a beautiful filigree design engraved throughout.

Opening bid: $80

Current bid: $

Spectacular quarter-plate French daguerreotype of a priest presented in a stunning brown and tortoise shell designed passe-partout. He wears a traditional black cassock but it is highlighted by a rarely seen delicate lace undergarment that adds a gorgeous contrast. He wears a skull cap but also holds an additional hat in his lap. The image is in very good plus condition with the original seals and the hanging hook still intact. There are some light tiny spots underneath the glass along with a few tiny tarnish spots as seen. Most the spots could easily be cleaned from the inside of the glass. We saw no reason to open the image but we gladly do it if so desired by the new owner.

Delightful pair of ninth-plate daguerreotypes of brothers. On the left we see the two younger boys in an endearing pose. The brother on the right extends his arm around his pal in a loving manner. We are curious though about the lad on the left. His arm is tucked inside his overcoat. Was this for a dramatic effect or did the boy have an injury or a birth defect? Either way he certainly has an air of confidence about him. The image on the right shows the two older boys of the family. The one lad on the right is soon to be off pursuing his own dreams. His brother on the left couldn’t be happier during their day in the studio. He has one of the best grins you will see in a daguerreotype and his slightly chubby cheeks add to his genuine glee. Both plates are extremely sharp with wonderful detail as seen in their bright eyes and the individual strands of their perfectly styled hair. The vibrant plate on the right has an extra shine and the boys’ faces and lips have been lightly tinted. There are some tarnish spots on the plate on the left as seen. Both have been resealed with a new glass. They are housed in an equally wonderful full case with an “Angel” design on the front cover, Berg 4-94, with the back “Geometric”, Berg 5-181. Surely mom chose this case! The hinge has been repaired with pneumatic leather.

Engaging sixth-plate daguerreotype of a lovely woman identified with a brass mat stamp for Jenks Bro’s. Paterson, NJ. According to Craig’s Registry, Jonathan B Jenks, was “listed as a daguerreian at 89 Main Street, Paterson, N.J., 1855-1860. In 1855-1856 he was listed in business as Jenks Brothers, with Robert V. Jenks, who was also a dentist. The partnership was listed at the same address through 1859.” Posed with a piercing stare our sitter is wearing a delightful outfit with a beautiful shiny black silk top and great lace highlights. It is paired with a wonderful, light, striped skirt that creates a vibrant study in tonal quality and contrast. While not identified, this was purchased with other daguerreotypes of the Van Patten family from Schoharie County, New York. We feel this might be their daughter Elizabeth Van Patten as the age would fit, however we aren’t sure of the connection to Paterson, NJ. The image is in very good condition with a few small spots as seen. The image had tight seals intact and we have resealed it with a new glass and it is housed in a full case.

Dynamic sixth-plate English daguerreotype by the sought after daguerreotypist,  John Jabez Mayall, identified by his gold embossed emblem on the back of the case. According to Craig’s Registry, Mayall was “born in Philadelphia, Pa., he learned daguerreotyping from P.B. Goddard and Hans Martin Boye. He was listed as a daguerreotypist in Philadelphia in 1845-1846 in partnership with S. Van Loan. Mayall may have traveled to England prior to opening the Philadelphia gallery, as the report indicated he ‘returned’ to England after selling the gallery. He was known to have established a chain of photographic galleries in England. He exhibited at the London Fair in 1851, and patented the Ivorytype process in October, 1855.”
This dashing and obviously self-confident gentleman is posed semi-profile with a hint of a smile or smirk on his face. He is certainly a player in the London scene with an expensive suit and a hint of his top hat barely visible on the table to the left. In typical Mayall fashion he has captured this portrait with amazing detail as evidenced by the gentleman’s cool, tinted muttonchops. The plate has strong tones and contrast with beautiful flesh tones and tinting to his lips. The backdrop is the typical sky scene with a wisp of clouds. The image has a light brush mark as seen on the left with some tarnish spots visible. The fabulous gold stamp on the back is his chariot design and lists both 224 Regent Street and 433 West Strand. We have resealed the image and it is housed in a full case with a pneumatic leather repaired spine.

Treasured ninth-plate daguerreotype of an attractive young woman in semi-profile with her arm resting on the table. She is posed in contemplative thought and her eyes are mesmerizing. Her voluminous silk black gown is stunning and it is highlighted with a lace collar. The long gold chain that holds her pen drapes gracefully to her lap. The daguerreotype is in excellent minus condition with strong tones and contrast. The streamlined velvet case has some fading as it was originally purple in color -as seen on the inside- but now reads a brown/purple on the outside. The silk ribbon behind the image is still attached allowing for easy removal and the pushbutton works properly.

Illuminating quarter-plate daguerreotype of a stately gentleman by McElroy, as identified by a brass mat stamp. While Craig’s Registry lists a few artist by this name, this is most likely John McElroy who was listed in Locke, NY, and possibly also working in Auburn, NY. This is one bright and sharp daguerreotype. Posed in a dignified but slightly casual pose, the detail in this gentleman’s face is wonderful- we see his aged and weathered face perfectly. He has a rather larger nose and the shine and shadows create a fascinating study in light and contrast. He wears a long formal coat which compliments his tall stature and his light pants and the pleasing solarization on his shirt form a perfect union. There is a lovely subtle hint of tint to his cheeks and lips. The daguerreotype is in excellent minus condition with great tones and contrast. The late 1840’s plate has some light buffing lines when seen at an angle in bright light but these blend expertly with that beautiful stark background. It had olds seals tightly intact and we have resealed it with a new glass and it is housed in half of a case.

 Shiny ninth-plate daguerreotype of a handsome young man. The photographer is identified by a brass mat mark for N. Pratt, Essex, CT. According to Craig’s Registry, Pratt was listed in Essex from 1857-60 although this image might be from an earlier year. The plate has a nice, bright, milky background with some overall tarnish on the image as seen. There is some light tinting to the young man’s face and a few perimeter mat marks are visible. The image has been resealed with a new glass and it is housed in half of a case.

Snazzy sixth-plate daguerreotype of a stylish, handsome young man politely posed with his hands clasped at the perimeter of the plate. While his suit is simple we love his striking striped tie. The daguerreotype has an interesting plate hue and we are fascinated by this lightly patterned background. The image had old seals intact but there was heavy moisture under the glass. This has created some spider spots on the right and bottom portion of the plate. Some of these might be removed with a professional distilled water soak but most appear permanent. This has the wreath plate hallmark and we have resealed the image with a new glass and it is housed in half of a case.

Endearing sixth-plate daguerreotype of a mother and child posed in a loving manner. The little cutie leans into mom’s cheek and waves their hand on the left to the photographer in excitement. Mom has a slight smile on her face and is obviously over the moon with her sweet baby. She wears an interesting black dress with a fascinating collar. The image is in very good plus condition with strong tones and contrast. At angle there seems to be nice flesh tones added but this could also be a beautiful natural plate hue. There is some tarnish that has crept down towards the mother’s head. The plate had old seals and we have resealed it with a new glass. It is housed in a full pushbutton case.