A remarkable opportunity to hold a piece of early photographic history in your hands.
This ornate leather case contains a daguerreotype portrait of an individual dating from approximately the 1840s–1860s.
Daguerreotypes were among the earliest commercially successful forms of photography. Introduced in 1839, the process involved exposing a silver-coated copper plate sensitized with iodine vapor, then developing the image using heated mercury vapor. The result is a beautifully detailed, mirror-like image that can appear positive or negative depending on the angle and lighting.
The process was eventually overtaken by newer photographic methods, including ambrotypes, making surviving daguerreotypes fascinating artifacts from photography’s earliest decades.
The Case
The ornate leather case remains intact and is in good antique condition considering its extraordinary age.
It contains a single portrait with soft velvet on the opposite interior side. Its case features a hinged design and snaps closed.
The pose, clothing, case, and tiny details are fascinating to study. There are very minor age-related flaws, shown in the photos, but this piece has been remarkably well preserved for well over a century.
I photographed the daguerreotype with flash to capture the images as clearly as possible. Because of the reflective surface, the appearance naturally changes depending on the viewing angle and light.
Please Handle With Care
Daguerreotype surfaces are extremely delicate and should never be touched or cleaned directly. These pieces have survived generations in wonderful condition, and careful handling will help preserve them for generations to come.
Please review all photos closely.
Thanks for checking out Noah’s Rose! Questions? Just send me a message.
Orders ship next day, excluding Sundays and holidays. Worldwide shipping from Central Florida. Recycled packaging is used when possible, and shipping overages are partially refunded.
Happy hunting! 📷
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