Advertising Tobacco
SOLD March 2007 |
Sixth plate daguerreotype of a Tobacco advertisement for C.F.Meyer & Bro., attributed Dietterich, Cincinnati, Ohio, ca. 1855. With original seals intact, housed in a full pressed-paper case with split spine.
The advertisement depicted in the daguerreotype reads "C. F. Meyer & Bro. / Dealers in Cigars and Tobacco / Wholesale and Retail / Court Street, North Side, between Walnut and Vine, / A General Assortment of Tobacco and Cigars / Kept constantly on hand, at the lowest Market Prices. / The best quality of Smoking Tobacco manufactured at the above Establishment. / Commercial Office Print, Cincinnati", following by a handwritten addition: "M. Dietterich 555. Sycamore Street."
According to Craig's Daguerreian Registry, a "William Dietrich" was listed as daguerreian in Cincinnati Ohio ca. 1855 with the home address of 555 Sycamore. This leads us to suggest that either William Dietrich/Dietterich, or a relative with the first name M., produced this interesting piece of Americana ca. 1855. It is also possible that the business directory entry of William D. was an error for a name beginning with M.
The daguerreotype was likely created as a form of self-promotion. If shown by the Meyer Brothers, the image would also advertise Dietterich thanks to his notation at bottom of the image.
The cover glass, still held in place by the original seals, appears to have only light dirt on the underside; plate is in excellent condition with some sprinkling of debris and perhaps a faint mold spider.
