Lot 23

Lot 23

Intriguing and rare sixth-plate daguerreotype of a mother and son identified by multiple brass stamps to daguerreotypist J.M. McCluer. He is certainly well branded as all four corners of the mat are stamped! 
According to Chris Steele’s website,  https://pioneeramericanphotographers.com/2020/01/22/j-m-mccluer-son/, “ J. M. McCluer & Son were recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in The Evansville Daily Journal (Evansville, Indiana). The announcement ran on November 10, 1852. The advertisement ran from November 10 to 25, 1852.  Photographic, or Daguerreotype Miniatures.  J. M. McCluer & Son would respectfully inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of this place and vicinity, that they have taken the room formerly occupied by Webster’s Gallery, for the purpose of remaining a few days, where they would be pleased to exhibit specimens in this beautiful art. They flatter themselves that their specimens will compare with any-being in possession of all the recent improvements of Hill and others. Pictures taken with or without color, single or in groups. Landscapes, copies of residences, miniatures, or portraits, copied with neatness and upon the shortest possible notice. Invalids waited on at their residences. They have the finest set of cases, frames, &c., ever exhibited in this place, together with everything to make true and perfect likenesses.  J. M. McCluer & Son are not recorded in other photographic directories.” 
Mom puts her arm on her sons shoulder for support as she stares directly at the photographer with a slight smile. We suspect the boy was somewhat frightened by the process as he seems quite stiff and grasps the chair and his vest tightly. His outfit is unusual, with his gold buttoned vest open in the middle and a strange large white crumpled collar on his jacket. It certainly doesn’t read southern Indiana to us and we suspect they might have been German as the population was predominately Irish and German during this time period. The plate has been cleaned in the past and suffered from a number of vertical brush marks and light scratching. It has a previous reseal with a new glass and resides in a nice grape themed case with an interesting velvet mat. We wonder if McClure also crafted the photo case. If you collect obscure Daguerreians, this one is for you!

Opening bid $45