Stereo Daguerreotype by Hutchinson

Impressive quarter-plate stereo daguerreotype of an interesting gentleman housed in a union case and identified to Thomas Hutchinson, Philadelphia. Right behind the viewer the label in gold gilding reads Thomas Hutchinson’ Daguerreotypist, No. 234 North Second St., Philadelphia. Stereoscope Pictures taken in the highest perfection of the Art. Craig’s Registry has limited information and reads; “Listed as "daguerreotypes", Second and Callowhill Streets, Philadelphia, Pa., 1853-1860. Another source listed him in 1853 on Cellars Street, Frankford, Pa. An identified image embossed on the velvet case liner places him at 234 South Second Street.” While we have seen other images identified to Hutchinson we have never seen another stereo daguerreotype by him. His “perfection” for the art is clearly demonstrated in the stunning 3-D quality of this image. Generally without added accessories stereo portraits can be a little static but Hutchinson has created multi-level stereo effects with this man’s clothing. First he starts with the gentleman’s legs crossed which in turn extends his heavy winter coat in multiple folds that jump off the plate. His hands rest forward in a fist and we swear he could take a jab at us while viewing! Even the large buttons on his jacket seem to dance. His face is crystal clear and the texture in his large bushy muttonchops are amazing. The plates are in excellent minus condition with fabulous tones and contrast. Gold gilding along with a red jewel have been added to his watch chain and there are a few spots as seen. The image is housed in an equally exquisite dark brown union case that has “Lyre in Wide Portal 2” with engraver’s name R. Paine on the bottom to the right of the base, Berg 1-45, on the front with the back being, “The Lord’s Prayer”, Berg 1-33. It is in excellent minus condition with just a hint of tiny wear. The inside viewer has some loss as seen where a repair has been made in the past. This repair covered up some of the writing on the standard Mascher label. The plates had already been resealed when we purchased it and since it views so perfectly in stereo and the new glass is clean, we left it as found. This dynamic package will certainly impress, whether you collect in the area or it is a first time stereo daguerreotype purchase!
$1,000