Half-Plate Daguerreotype

Half-Plate Daguerreotype (1840 - 1855), 19th century portrait, vintage case, 4.25 x 5.5. The daguerreotype photograph, developed in 1839 by Louis Daguerre, was the very process that would make history as the first publicly announced and commercially recognized photographic process. This type of image can be identified by its mirror-like surface of metallic silver which, when tilted, may virtually disappear.

Featured here is a 19th century half-length portrait of a gentleman in aristocratic period garb, bordered by a gold frame. The interior of the front cover features red velvet lining, and the case remains intact at the hinge. Decorated in a gorgeous floral design, the case is fashioned in the style of a vintage book. The original closure clasps are present and still-functioning.

Some mild silvering around the image, a slightly loose hinge and the expected wear to the case, otherwise fine condition.