Captivating odd-sized daguerreotype (1 5/8” x 2”) with a ninth plate over-mat by the illustrious M.P. Simons. According to Craig’s Registry, Montgomery P. Simons was first listed in Philadelphia as a casemaker in 1843 but may have actually started as early as 1842. By 1848 Simons was practicing the art of the daguerreotype. In 1849 he advertised in Charleston, SC and was in partnership with H.S. Smith, but in 1851-2 he was still listed in Philadelphia. He moved to RichmondVA from 1852-56 before returning to Philadelphia in 1857. We don’t know the location where this image was taken. In it, we see a handsome young man with a high, starched white collar surrounded by a delightful ring of beautiful tarnish. The plate has nice tones and contrast with some subtle tinting to the man’s face and lips. There are some spots on the plate, as seen, and it was resealed with a new glass sometime in the past. It is housed in a full ninth-plate leather case.   
$100