One can only imagine the story behind this rare sixth-plate daguerreotype of a young brother and sister posed with a hammer, a nail, and a piece of wood. Did the daguerreotypist just have a great sense of humor, was he experimenting with his children, or were these the children of a carpenter? We’ll never know the answer for sure, but this fantastic image certainly sparks the imagination.

Both adorable in appearance, the young girl cautiously holds a long nail against a block of wood while her brother holds a toy hammer. She is wearing a cute striped, off-the-shoulder dress, while the boy is sporting an unusual three-quarter-length light jacket over a white shirt, with a large belt buckled at his waist. Sitting with his legs crossed on a covered box or trunk we also notice one of his well-worn leather shoes. The belt buckle is tinted gold with a small pattern of green corrosions spots, which actually give it a decorative appearance. The image is in excellent condition with very nice tones and contrast. There seems to be a light tarnish over the entire plate with a few small areas unaffected. Old seals were present, but not attached; the image has been resealed with new glass. A remarkable image contained in a full leather case.

$1,500