Lot 7

Lot 7

Amazing, rare Richmond, VA quarter-plate stereo daguerreotype by the illustrious M.P. Simons.  According to Craig’s Registry, Simons roots were in Philadelphia first as a case maker but in 1843 a patent for coloring daguerreotypes was issued to Warren Thompson of Philadelphia and assigned to M.P. Simons. Simons was first listed as a daguerreian in 1848 at 179 Chestnut St. In 1849 he advertised his firm in Charleston, S.C. He was listed in Philadelphia from 1850-51 and by 1852 until 1856 he was operating a studio in Richmond, VA. This is the first identified stereo for Simons in Richmond that we have offered. Even marked images from him from the south are rarely seen! 

This southern gentleman is quite a treat as his eyes express both surprise and delight. His curly hair on the sides of his bald head view particularly strong in stereo as does the rest of the image.  It is always quite interesting to see the nuances in stereo daguerreotypes that aren’t seen in the typical format; such as the fold in his highly starched shirt that disappears on the right bottom side. The plates are in very good condition with strong tones and contrast and subtle tinting to his face and lips. There are some spots as seen with one light tarnish streak on the left side of the left image above his shoulder. The plates had old seals intact and we have now resealed it with a new glass. It is housed in a very nice floral leather case with metal hinges. The label underneath the viewer reads, From M.P. Simons, Daguerreotypist: No. 151 Eagle Square, Main Street, Richmond, Virginia. There is nothing like an exceptional stereo daguerreotype!