Carleton E. Watkins

mammoth-plate albumen print, mounted, 1878-81 (Naef 285)

Grading this albumen print on a scale of one to 10 – a 10 being an albumen print that has deep brown dark tones and highlights that retain all of their original detail – this print rates a strong 8. The highlights are somewhat warm, but there is great retention of detail. This mounted photograph was originally in an album in which it was affixed back-to-back with another mounted photograph. The paired photographs’ mounts were expertly separated from one another. As a result of this, a faint linen-like texture can be seen in the surface of the print when it is examined closely in raking light, and the reverse of the mount has a very slightly rough texture. A thin strip of linen tape runs along the lower mount edge. Visible in raking light are the following: a few small raised areas where particles were trapped between the print and the mount during mounting; and some faint scuffing and impressions that do not break the emulsion. Upon extremely close examination, there is a 1/2-inch tear that has been laid down at the edge of the lower left print corner. The periphery of the mount is appropriately age-darkened. The front and reverse of the mount are lightly soiled from handling.
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.

In Carleton Watkins: The Complete Mammoth Photographs, Weston Naef and Christine Hult-Lewis locate 5 prints in institutional collections. 

The seated figure pictured in the lower left portion of the image is Watkins's assistant Sarah (‘Sallie’) Louisa Dutcher, who is credited with being the first female to successfully ascend Half Dome, in 1875.  Dutcher worked with Watkins in several capacities throughout the 1870s, and was listed variously in San Francisco directories as photographic retoucher, saleswoman, and agent for Watkins landscape photographs.