Anonymous American Photographers

a group of 5 daguerreotypes, comprising Charles Kirkwood with Carpenter's Square; Machinist with Calipers and Gears; Man with Fountain Pen; Man with San Francisco Box; and Young Sailor, quarter-plate and sixth-plates, the last with hand-coloring, each cased, 1840s-50s (5)

Charles Kirkwood with Carpenter's Square - This is a quarter-plate daguerreotype. The image is strong and clear, and delivers a great deal of detail throughout. The plate is tarnished at the periphery of the oval mat, and there are a few swipes and scratches visible to the right of the sitter. This plate has a new seal. Machinist with Calipers and Gear - This is a sixth-plate daguerreotype. The plate is tarnished at the periphery of the mat, and there are a few swipes visible on the lower portion of the plate. Man with Fountain Pen - This is a sixth-plate daguerreotype. The plate has a somewhat clouded appearance, although this is due in part to the cover-glass. When viewed under direct light, the image shows itself to be quite strong and filled with detail. Minimal tarnish is visible. Man with San Francisco Box - This is a sixth-plate daguerreotype. It is an exceptionally well-detailed rendering, without condition issues affecting the sitter. There are small scratches and rubbed areas on the plate near the edges of the mat, and a scattering of tiny translucent adhesions overall. Whaler - This is a sixth-plate daguerreotype. Blue tinting applied to the sitter's jacket appears to have discolored somewhat. The plate is heavily tarnished at the periphery of the oval mat, and there is light clouding in the area above the sitter's head. This plate is in a brown leather 'E. White' case with a sailboat motif on both covers.
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.

Additional images in this lot may be found in our online catalogue.