Maxime Du Camp

salt print, a plate from Egypt, Nubie, Palestine et Syrie (Paris: Gide et Baudry, 1850), mounted, the letterpress title, photographer's, publisher's, and printer's credits and plate number '106' and with print seller William Macgill's '7 Hanover Street, Edinburgh' blindstamp on the mount, 1850

Grading this salt print on a scale of 1 to 10--a 10 being a print with deep brown dark tones and highlights that retain all of their original detail--this print rates a strong 9. The mount's corners are bumped and there is some discoloration at the periphery. On the reverse of the print are a few scattered fingerprints, and 3 small, light rust-colored areas.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The mount bears the blind stamp of print seller William Macgill (c. 1818-1866) of Edinburgh.  Macgill was active as an artist's colourman as early as 1841, when he was located at Scotland Street.  Around 1856, from 7 Hanover Street, the address given on the aforementioned blind stamp, Macgill published a trade catalogue.  In censuses, his last location given in 1861 is 103 Princes Street, then described as a photographic studio and shop.  Upon his death, in 1866, the business at 103 Princes Street continued to operate as Macgill's Gallery of Art.