Quarter plate daguerreotype of lady in original daguerrean wall frame. The image measures 3.5 x 4.5 inches, which is slightly larger than expected for a quarter plate so could be a ½ plate that was cut down. The lady is dressed in black with a white collar with lace detail. She wears her hair covering her ears and pulled back with a top-knot. She carries a purse and wears a ring. The original daguerrean frame is what makes this piece really special. These early wall frames are rare. What’s great about this one, is the original square nails are in the back so she has never been removed from this frame. Clearly the matriarch of the family.

Daguerreotypes are the earliest photographic images and date from 1840-1855. They are images made on polished silver so are very reflective like a mirror. Since they are on silver, they are subject to tarnish and often have areas of tarnish around the edge of the picture.

Date: 1840-1850

Size: Frame 9.5 x 8 inches, image 3.5 x 4.5 visible image

Condition: Image is clear with some dust specs. Frame has some losses and cracks as pictured