EXTREMELY SHARP FOCUS DAGUERREOTYPE OF A HANDSOME YOUNG GENT, SEALS
Item History & Price
Reference Number: Avaluer:2872928 |
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I... was recently very fortunate to purchase a collection of photo images, mostly daguerreotypes and ambrotypes. They were collected one image at a time during the time period of 1971 to 1979 at various flea markets, antique shops, yard sales, and church sales throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. A young couple of modest means built the collection spending between $1.00 and 12.50 per image. As they collected, the couple would fill out an index card using a manual typewriter to record details about each image, where and when it was purchased, and for how much. The images were stored in 5" X 7.5" manila envelopes. When available, I will show photos in each listing.*
Most images are in untouched, original, “as found” condition. However, the new daguerreotype hobbyists did experiment and took apart a few of their new finds in hopes of improving them. We all know the end of this story . . . a handful of ruined or greatly diminished images. Although there are no occupational or outdoor images, there are a number of above-average portraits.
The good news is that the collection was put into storage in the early 1980s when this still young couple moved on to collecting books. Their photo collection hadn't been touched for nearly 40 years. The owners were ready to downsize and their interest had waned for their photo collection. The collection included more than forty daguerreotypes (including some jewelry), about 30 ambrotypes, plus CDVs, tintypes, and some cabinet cards.
Most of these dags would be improved with new glass and would be much better off with new tape. Actually, there are a few with no tape at all. I have decided to sell the images "as found" and let the new owners decide. I will be listing these images consecutively over the next month in about 60 lots. Feel free to contact me with questions. All images will be listed in 10-day auctions. No buy-it-now offers will be considered and no auctions will end early.
*Note: The text on the index cards in the listing photos is not written by me but by the original collectors. Although much of what they wrote is true, there are a few errors.