January 1842
SOLD March 2007 |
Early ninth plate daguerreotype of a gent, in flip-top leather case with dark brown pad. A period pencil inscription in the case behind the image reads "Francis Hayden / By Buell & [Sizen?] / Jan. 1842".
This very early plate retains its original thin, pink paper seals and I have not seen fit to disturb them. Though cracked through in places, they verify the integrity of the original components. There is a good deal of dirt on the underside of glass. The plate itself appears to be in fine condition, albeit with some hazing over the center of the image which may be original to its production. Close inspection reveals some scattered "flying saucer" shaped discolorations, perhaps a small mold spider on the sitter's right cheek, and small specks elsewhere.
The image, along with its crosshatched, flip-top case immediately strikes one as haling from a very early period of the daguerreotype. This impression was confirmed by the discovery of what appears to be an original period inscription in the case behind the image. While I have been unable to identify the photographers given in the inscription, the date of January 1842 seems quite appropriate for the image. Found in a lot of images purchased out of Connecticut.
