THE AUCTION IS CLOSED

When we happened upon this astonishing daguerreotype in a small antique shop in Illinois in 1999 we were stunned and extremely excited to say the least. We knew the image was certainly uncommon for Illinois - and maybe even the US. The daguerreotype was housed in a leather pushbutton case, indicating that the original presentation had been discarded sometime in the past. We learned that the piece was from a long time antique collector who was since deceased, so unfortunately there was no additional information to be discovered about its long journey to us. Removing the image from the case, mat and preserver revealed a signature in the bottom left corner that read: Thre Leeuw, De Paris. According to Photographers in Damascus, 1840-1918 by Badr El-Hage, Theodore Leeuw established the first professional studio in Beriut in the 1840’s. He was killed in Israel on January 8, 1856.

This visually stunning quarter-plate daguerreotype shows a young boy who appears to be of Western European descent. Two women dressed in identical gorgeous regional outfits sit on each side of him. The one on the right lovingly places her arm around his waist while the other woman places her hand on his shoulder. Both gaze intently at the camera with ease. The young boy, wearing an equally striking outfit complete with tasseled hat, stares to the right with indifference.

The plate has been professionally resealed in a modern passe-partout presentation with an archival paper mat more fitting to its original format. It is quite vibrant, with lovely tones and contrast, which is most unusual for an image from this region in the early years of photography. There is a wide area of perimeter tarnish with some scattered spots, and a few minor marks are visible. This is an extraordinary rare daguerreotype that when sold will not likely see the market again.

Scenic outdoor daguerreotypes within the occupational genre are not commonly found on the market today. Generally people are posed holding the tools of their trade in a portrait-like fashion. It was unusual for a daguerreotypist to capture the outdoor moment via an idyllic working scene such as we find in this wonderful quarter-plate daguerreotype. Reminiscent of a Thomas Easterly composition, this anonymous photographer is able to show us the everyday aspects of a working farm. In a wide angle perspective we see on the left a man working on a large piece of lumber with what appears to be a wood plane. A barn is in the background and a pile of possible wood shavings are to the far left. A ladder leans against the tree and we can see where braches have been removed, possibly to be used for building material. A large dog is visible to the man’s right side. Directly behind the dog we see two other gentlemen. One man seems to have noticed the photographer and is looking into the camera. The other is tending to two large steers: one is white or tan with large horns while the other has markings similar to a Holstein, although that might not be the actual breed. There is another building behind them in the distance. Off to the right we see a two-wheel working wagon and a four-wheel formal carriage complete with side lights parked in front of a house.

According to the person from whom we acquired this image, it was bought at an auction in the UK. The estate was from a family descended from Sir James Willoughby Gordon. According to them, Gordon was a Colonel of the Royal Africa Corps who traveled in many campaigns. He was a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and Gordon, Sydney, NSW is named after him. The image appears to be from the early 50’s, but since Gordon died in 1851 we are unsure of any relationship he would have to this piece. It could have been one of his properties or the family could have just purchased this at sometime over the years. Unfortunately there are no identification or plate markings.

Extremely rare cardboard box of unused sixth plate tintypes. The fantastic label reads Griswold’s Ferroetype Plates, Trade Mark, Patented Oct. 21, 1856 on one side. Above the words “Trade Mark” is an illustration of a scarab. The other side reads, Griswold’s Ferrotype Plates, Patented Oct. 21 st, 1856. Written on each end is 8 Doz. Sixth, Egg Shell. There are 26 blank plates still inside. The box is in two halves as intended; however, the top of the box is gone. We assume it was opened this way to make for easier access. The green label does have some wear and there is a small spot missing by the scarab. A welcome addition to any collection and one that is rarely available in today’s marketplace.

Fantastic sixth-plate daguerreotype of a copy of a cool folk art painting. Obviously this is not an area familiar to us and while there is no identification as to either the painter or photographer, hopefully someone with this expertise will know the artist. The piece seems extremely detailed right down to the floral design on the man’s stick pin, visible on his shirt. The image had no seals and quite possibly was cleaned in the past. We did a very light electrolytic bath to remove some tarnish in the central area. The daguerreotype still retains very nice tonal qualities and there is a hint of some light tarnish in the top right corner. There is a light scratch on the table and an angle in strong light there is an extremely small scratch in the man’s hair slightly into his cheek. The plate has been resealed with new glass and is housed in an unusual velvet book style case with a gold floral design in the center on both sides, similar to Berg 234G. The case has a large amount of wear and the velvet is faded.

Interesting sixth-plate daguerreotype of three men captured in a horizontal format. A delightful image in which we can only speculate the occasion. The similarities between the men indicate that this is likely a father with his two sons. The boys on the right both have large bushy hair and while the older gentleman’s hair has started to thin it is similar in style. This is a nice, unusual group portrait of the male members of a family in their later years. The plate is in excellent condition, with some light tinting to their faces and a hint of perimeter tarnish. The line visible on the older man’s vest is not a scratch, but an imperfection in the plate. There are a few small spots and some light buffing lines visible at an angle. Old seals were fully intact and it has now been resealed with a new glass. It is housed in a full pressed paper case.

Adorable sixth-plate daguerreotype of a mother and child in a delightful and endearing pose. Our wide-eyed beauty sits perfectly still cheek-to-cheek with her mother. Mom gently places her hand against her precious child’s other cheek. This is artfully accomplished and virtually unnoticeable except for the fan shape cuff of her dress and her fingers which are slightly visible. Both mother and child are quite fashionably dressed. Our cutie wears a simple polka-dot off the shoulders dress with fun striped socks. The woman wears a wonderful dress with bows highlighting her midsection, a lace collar, an unusual pin, and hoop earrings. A note identifies them as Mrs. Seavle, and Byron. B. 1836, D. 1925, M 1855, 2-14, Taken c 1857. The image is in excellent condition with great tones and contrast. There is light tinting to their cheeks and the plate has a band of perimeter tarnish more noticeable on the right side. Old seals were fully intact and it has now been resealed with a new glass. It is housed in a full leather case.

Wonderful sixth-plate daguerreotype of an attractive woman in a demure pose. She alluringly rests one hand gently on her cheek, with the other visible under her elbow conspicuously conceals her ring finger. Our lovely young sitter wears a pretty checked dress with bracelets on each wrist. One is quite unusual, with two large metal rings that possibly serve as the clasp. Subtle hand tinting has been applied to her cheeks and lips. The image is in excellent condition with a band of perimeter tarnish. Old seals were intact and the plate has now been resealed with a new glass. It is housed in a full leather case.

Sharp sixth-plate daguerreotype of an exotic gentleman sporting what we currently refer to as a unibrow. He wears an intriguing outfit with a heavy overcoat, a jacket, a floral vest, and a very strange looking ascot. This is most likely a Midwest image as it was purchased from an auction house in Indiana. The luminous plate is in excellent condition with nice tonal qualities. There is light tinting to the man’s face and lips along with a thin line of perimeter tarnish. The image had old seals tightly intact and has been resealed with new glass. It is housed in a full leather case and was purchased with the following lot.

opening bid $120

current bid $160

Great sixth-plate daguerreotype of a young man with very bushy, wild hair. This was purchased with the preceding lot so the propensity for untamed hair must have run in the family! Unlike his relative, this man is dressed in a conservative yet stylish outfit with a print vest, upturned collar and coat with velvet lapels. The image is in excellent condition with some light tinting to the man’s face and lips and a hint of perimeter tarnish. The plate had old seals still intact and has now been resealed with new glass. It is housed in half of a leather case.

Beautiful sixth-plate daguerreotype of a gorgeous young woman with entrancing eyes. Her gaze mesmerizes the viewer. Dressed in fashionable attire she wears a lovely print dress with a black jacket accentuated by a white lace collar. Her wedding rings - one simple band and another ring set with a large gemstone -are seen on her finger. Lovely hoop earrings complete her ensemble. The photographer is identified with a velvet mat stamp as Willard, Market ST, AB 16 th, Philadelphia. According to Craig’s Registry this was W. Willard, listed in Philadelphia from 1854-55. The daguerreotype is in excellent condition with light hand tinting to the woman’s face. The image had old seals tightly intact and has now been resealed with new glass. It is housed in a full leather case. Please also see the following lot as they were purchased together and most likely sisters.

Good looks obviously run in the family as this sixth-plate daguerreotype of another stunning beauty illustrates. Purchased with the preceding image, it appears that these two women are sisters, with this being the younger sibling. Dressed in a similar outfit, this attractive woman wears a huge cameo-style pin at her neckline, while opting for a smaller earring. She too proudly wears her wedding rings - a simple band along with a jewel encrusted ring - on her finger. Before they were married, these two were likely the toast of the town with many suitors. This daguerreotype is also identified with an identical stamp for Willard. The image is in excellent condition with some light tinting to the woman’s face. The plate had old seals tightly intact and it has now been resealed with new glass. It is housed in an identical full leather case.

Wonderful hand-tinted sixth-plate daguerreotype of an interesting young man who has a look of concern on his face. His brow extends upward as if he does not trust the ability of the daguerreotypist. Surely once he saw the results he was satisfied beyond his expectations as the photographer has skillfully hand-tinted his portrait with precision and artistry. His vest is tinted in a beautiful combination of reds and blues while his tie shows delicate blue highlights. Lovely flesh tones on his face and hands complete the package. The image is in excellent condition with a few small spots and some perimeter tarnish. The plate had an older reseal and has now been resealed with a new glass. It is housed in a full leather case.

Adorable quarter-plate daguerreotype of a darling young girl by Enoch Long, St. Louis, MO, (identified by a velvet mat stamp). Her facial expression is precious yet somewhat comical, as if asking if she can go home now. Dressed in a wonderfully layered outfit we see that her pantaloons have a cute star patterned cut-out on the bottom. According to Craig’s Registry, Enoch Long studied daguerreotyping with Robert Cornelius in 1842. After working in Boston and Illinois he opened a studio in St. Louis with his brother, Horatio Long, in 1848. Enoch was listed in St. Louis until at least 1860 and died on the streets in his hometown, Quincy, IL, in 1898. The image is in excellent condition with some light tinting to the girl’s cheeks. There is some heavy tarnish on the perimeter and a few visible spots. A dark line on the girl’s arm on the right does not appear to be a scratch but rather a plate flaw. The plate had old seals fully intact and has been resealed with a new glass. It is housed in a full leather case.

Sixth-plate daguerreotype of a very sad looking couple. This is quite possibly a mourning image; while the woman is not dressed in black she does wear black wrist bands and also holds what appears to be an image, although it is not clear enough to say for sure. A damaged ninth-plate ambrotype of a baby accompanied this piece and will be included. Whatever the situation, both of our subjects seem quite stressed, evident by their half hearted attempt to hold hands. The daguerreotype is in very good condition with hand tinting to the couple’s cheeks and some gilding to jewelry. There is a band of perimeter and some small scattered spots. Older seals were intact and it has now been resealed with new glass. It is housed in a full leather case.

Intriguing sixth-plate daguerreotype of a weathered looking gentleman with a large bushy beard. We assume his style of dress might be an indication of where he resides. The fashion is obviously not the formal attire we see from the East, so we believe he is from somewhere in the Midwest or further West. He makes a bold fashion statement with his oversized tie, a quilted looking vest and a striped shirt with an interesting collar. The shirt and tie are reminiscent of styles from the later 1800’s so perhaps this man really is fashion forward! The image is in excellent condition with a band of perimeter tarnish. The plate had an older reseal present and we have resealed it with a new glass. It is housed in half of a leather case.

Amusing sixth-plate daguerreotype of an older man holding his cane. He appears somewhat jovial but also quite cantankerous at the same time. He likely wouldn’t hesitate to smack anyone with that cane! The plate is in very good condition. There is a line visible to the left of the man’s head which is not a scratch, but appears to be a slight imperfection to the plate. There are some extremely light swirls in the background which can be seen in the scan. These appear to be light areas of tarnish and are not wipes or buffing marks. The image has been resealed and is housed in a full leather case.

Sweet sixth-plate daguerreotype of an adorable girl preciously posed leaning slightly against her mother. Her eyes glance toward the daguerreotypist and she tenderly grasps her mother’s hand for reassurance. The mother wears a slight grin as her gently puts her arm around her daughter’s waist. The close bond between the two is quite evident. This is a vibrant plate with nice tonal qualities and a hint of tarnish around the perimeter. There are some scattered spots along with some pinprick sized green spots. It has been resealed with a new glass and is housed in full leather case that has a large area of leather missing on the backside.

Fascinating sixth-plate daguerreotype of a very slender woman posed with her arm resting on a book. Her sytlish outfit is laced up the front from neck to waist, corset-like, accentuating her hourglass figure. Her face and lips have light tinting and her jewelry has been gold gilded. The image is in excellent condition with just a hint of perimeter tarnish. The image has a few small spots and there is a white spider spot to the left of the woman’s neck. The focus with her face is ever so lightly soft. Old seals were intact and it has been resealed with a new glass. It is housed in a full leather case.

Nice sixth-plate daguerreotype of a stately gentleman, identified by a brass mat stamp as being taken by M.A. & S. Root, 363 Broadway, NY. While working separately and together in many locations during their careers, according to Craig’s Registry, Marcus and Samuel were listed in partnership at this address from 1851-53. The image is in excellent condition with slight soft focus along with some hand tinting to the man’s face. There is a band of perimeter tarnish that is more noticeable on the bottom and a few small scattered spots. Old seals were fully intact and the image has now been resealed with a new glass. The daguerreotype is housed in a full leather case.

Entertaining sixth-plate daguerreotype of a couple in a horizontal presentation. While stylish in their own way, they are quite eclectic in their taste. The husband wears striped pants, a checkered vest, a cool goatee, and - the final touch- a pompadour haircut! His spouse is much more mainstream in her taste, wearing a simple striped dress with lace collar, a black fabric necklace, leather gloves, and long gold drop earrings. Her bonnet is sitting next to her on the table. This image was most likely made by an itinerant or beginning photographer as evidenced by the strange makeshift draping on the table. The image is in excellent condition with nice tonal qualities and some light tinting to the couple’s faces. The plate has a band of perimeter tarnish and a few small spots. Old seals were intact and it has since been resealed with new glass and is housed in half of a pressed paper case.

Lovely sixth-plate daguerreotype of a handsome young man with soft features and soulful eyes. While he has yet to develop the strong features of adulthood he appears to have an older essence to him. He is dressed in formal attire with a nice high collar and his tie has a subtle hint of green color. The image is in excellent condition with light hand-tinting to the man’s face and a band of perimeter tarnish. It had old seals fully intact and has now been resealed with new glass. It is housed in a full leather case.

Interesting quarter-plate daguerreotype of man posed in semi-profile. The plate has a wonderful natural tonal quality and the flesh tones are accomplished. The gentleman’s face, however, is slightly soft in focus. The photographer seems quite accomplished and professional so was this intentional or just a mistake in focus? Whatever the case, it creates a nice effect. The image is in excellent condition with perimeter tarnish and a few small spots. The plate had old seals intact and has now been resealed with new glass. It is housed in a full leather case.

Touching sixth-plate English daguerreotype of a young girl posed with her mother or possibly her grandmother. A note attached to the velvet reads, probably Sarah Olive (?) & Mother. The woman is dressed in a very plain outfit and sits in a large ornate chair. She holds the girl’s hand in a loving gesture that will be forever captured in time. The girl wears an unusual yet stylish outfit and rest her other arm on the table. She seems somewhat sad, as if life has been too hard for her short years. A large vase is seen to her right and some red tinting has been applied to the floral arrangement. The photographer is identified with a gold gilded stamp on the front of the case as A.T. Martin, By Appointment, 31 New St. Birmingham. The daguerreotype is in excellent condition with lovely tonal qualities and some subtle tinting to their faces. A tarnish spot is visible on the woman’s scarf, and there is a hint of perimeter tarnish. The image had old seals tightly in place and the plate has been resealed with a new glass. It is housed in a full leather case which has a warp making it virtually impossible to clasp.

Fun sixth-plate daguerreotype of a gentleman who obviously has his own sense of style. Not lacking in confidence, our flamboyant young man with a pencil thin mustache sits with arms crossed and a slight smirk on his face. He’s sporting an extremely large top hat, a very big tie with fringe visible on each side, a polka-dot vest and a jacket with velvet lapels. His sense of style is facinating to say the least! An interesting addition to this already wonderful plate is the sofa which has the appearance of a sectional couch and has been tinted with red highlights. A truly amusing daguerreotype! The plate is in excellent condition with light tinting to the man’s face. The image has a band of perimeter tarnish and a few small spots and a white spider spot can be seen on the right top of the man’s hat. The plate had old seals tightly intact and it has been resealed with a new glass. The image is housed in a full leather case.

Impressive half-plate French daguerreotype of a military officer. Posed with a scowl on his face and hand on sword we’re sure we would not want to meet this man on the battlefield. With quite the hourglass figure, (thanks to a corset, perhaps?), he looks to be in top notch shape. His hat is seen sitting next to him on the table. The image is in very good condition and has been cleaned sometime in the past. There is a slight area of cloudiness or discoloration on the right perimeter. Also, at an angle a small brown discoloration is visible on his hand next to the hat. There are some pinprick sized brown spots also scattered about. The image is in a typical passe-partout presentation and has been resealed in the past. Neither the photographer nor sitter are identified.

Lovely sixth-plate daguerreotype of an attractive girl posed with her arm resting on a table. In her other hand is either a thick large book style image case or a small photo album. The look on her face is quite charming with her eyes wide open in amazement. The photographer and his subject appeared to work in unison during this particular session as her pose and posture could not have been more perfect. This luminous plate is in excellent condition with light hand tinting to the girl’s face and a very slight hint of perimeter tarnish. The image had full seals tightly intact and it has been resealed with a new glass. It is housed in a full leather case.

Sharp sixth-plate daguerreotype of a young man. He seems to have a concerned look on his face, or he could simply be studying the daguerreotypist’s technique. The image is in excellent condition with very nice tonal qualities. It has been resealed with a new glass and is housed in a full leather case although the sides are not a match. The design, Birds and Grapes, B 5-34 is similar on both sides, but someone has re-glued an older leather hinge to make the match.

Frightening sixth-plate daguerreotype of a man with sunken cheeks and a piercing stare. He would make anyone uncomfortable and is not someone you would want to encounter on the streets at night! The image was purchased at a small antique store in Iowa a few years ago. It has some light tinting to the man’s face and while his shirt appears solarized the photographer has tried to conceal this flaw with some tinting in that area too. The plate has some perimeter tarnish and a milky area noticeable along the left side border. There is scratch visible on the man’s lip but since the image had a 19 th century seal fully intact this might have been original to the plate. It has since been resealed with new glass and is housed in half of a leather case.

opening bid $35

current bid $35

Sixth-plate daguerreotype of a couple by Thompson, 315 Broadway, NY, as identified by a brass mat stamp visible in the top right corner, along with a velvet mat mark. This was Josiah W. Thompson and according to Craig’s Registry he worked at this address from 1849-53. He also there in subsequent years in partnership with other daguerreotypists. While the sitters appear somewhat common they seem quite comfortable and happy. He bears an ever so slight resemblance to Lincoln. She wears a simple heavy fabric dress, which is delightfully adorned with a row of fabric flowers that runs from top to bottom. A watch key also hangs from her neck. This is a very clear plate with a few light spots visible. Older 19 th century seals were tightly intact, but the image appears to have been cleaned in the past. It is now resealed with a new glass.

Sweet sixth-plate daguerreotype of a two brothers posed on an ornate settee. Both seem awestruck by the moment, especially the older boy who is posed with his mouth slightly open. Unlike other children these two are extremely well behaved, sitting quietly with their hands resting gently on their laps. The plate has an interesting tonal quality with solorized whites that have a light green hue to them instead of the typical blue. Also, there is a slight rose hue to the pants of the young man on the left that extends into his white shirt, which gives them a very pleasant appearance. The plate had an unusual area of tarnish on the left side and after a very light electrolytic cleaning there is still a hint of tarnish visible in that area. A few dark spots are visible above the wood carving in the center of the sofa, between the boys. Directly below this there are a few small dark lines. These appear to be plate imperfections and not scratches. The image has been resealed with a new glass and is housed in a full leather case.

Engaging quarter-plate daguerreotype of two sisters in a very sweet, affectionate pose. As close as two siblings can be, they draw as near to each other as possible with hands intertwined. Both have long hair which they wear in a simple manner not often seen in the 19 th century. The younger sister on the right wears a great outfit with large fringe visible on her midsection. A cross hangs from her necklace. The daguerreotype has some very light scratch lines here and there along with some buffing marks. There is a ding in the middle of the portrait in the older sister’s hair. Another is seen on the far right perimeter in the tarnish. Regardless, this is quite an endearing and unique photograph that would be a welcome addition to any collection. The plate has been resealed with a new glass and is housed in half of worn leather case.

Interesting sixth-plate daguerreotype of a mother and daughter. It’s not often where we see mom take center stage with little concern for her child. Leaning forward she literally pushes her daughter aside. However, the cute little girl doesn’t seem a bit fazed as she looks on with amazement. The image is in excellent condition with a thin band of perimeter tarnish. There is some light hand tinting to the sitters’ cheeks and a few extremely small spots visible. It is housed in half of a leather case.

Sixth-plate daguerreotype of a man with a look of astonishment and intrigue on his face. While most interested in his experience he seems quite relaxed in this environment despite the customary straight and stiff pose. He wears an unusual overcoat with quilted lapels and a simple tie made of ribbon. This accentuates his collar which is slightly askew. His salt and pepper hairstyle is unique, although we wouldn’t recommend his barber. The plate has scattered tarnish and there are some pinprick sized copper spots on the left perimeter. The image had no seals and has now been resealed with new glass. It is housed in a full pressed paper case.

Subtle sixth-plate daguerreotype of a young woman who obviously resides in a colder climate. She wears a heavy, layered outer garment with a fur cuff visible underneath each sleeve. Her bonnet is decorated with lace and what appear to be a few sparse flowers and a leaf. This simple pose, combined with the dark background, clothes, and style of mat, give this image almost a vignette effect. It is in excellent condition with a little perimeter tarnish and a few extremely small spots. At an angle in light a few light buffing lines are visible. The image had old seals still intact and has now been resealed with a new glass. It is housed in a full pressed paper case.

Tender sixth-plate daguerreotype of a couple holding hands. Both dressed in formal attire, the husband gently extends his arm around his wife’s shoulder further illustrating his love for his partner in life. It is identified with a period note as Mrs. Sophia Barnard Goodrich and Mr. Goodrich, Elgin, IL. The plate is in very good condition with light tinting to their faces, a thin line of perimeter tarnish and some small scattered spots. There are also a few light buffing type marks mostly visible at an angle. Old seals were present, but not intact. The image has been resealed with a new glass. It is housed in a full leather case.