Carleton E. Watkins

mammoth-plate albumen print, mounted, with title in an old hand in pencil on the mount, 1865-66 (Naef 169; Fraenkel, pl. 18)

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 tend toward warm in the upper portion of the image, and the range of tonality and detail is somewhat muted. There is no perceptible fading at the periphery. Visible in raking light are the following: a crease along the left edge which occurred during mounting; and few linear scuffs, one of which extends from the top edge and runs some distance on the right side of the image. This photograph has recently undergone conservation, primarily to address surface cleaning and a small raised area near the lower edge. A full treatment report is available upon request from the department. This photograph is mounted to thick, flexible board, which has a slight wave. The mount is darkened near the edges. The mount is edged with brown cloth tape, which has small losses but is largely intact along the upper and right edges.
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.