Stunning and rare daguerreotype (half plate) featuring an elegantly dressed family, possibly a brother and his two sisters. The fact that this trio posed for this portrait shows their interest in the new photographic technology of the daguerreotype. One could not find a superior example. The bearded gentleman wears a chain from the button of his waistcoat, while both women wear chains at their waists. Photographer: Mathew Brady (Brady’s Gallery), Broadway, New York, c. 1850. Mathew Brady was one of the greatest early American photographers. This image has the extra special feature of showing the clothes, hairstyles and manner of the middle 19th century and the currently fashionable way of wearing a watch chain for both sexes. Half plate : 4.25 x 5.5 ins. (11 x 14 cm). Full case. The main image is nice and crisp with some tarnish at the edges. The mat has some very slight spotting and the case is in good condition. This item can be seen in the book, "How the Watch was Worn - A Fashion for 500 Years", on page 68.