Anonymous American Photographer

ninth-plate daguerreotype, hand-tinted, with a modern seal, cased, circa 1850

Stanley B. Burns, Mirror Mirror: The Burns Collection Daguerreotypes (New York: The Burns Archive Press, 2012), pl. 50

This fascinating portrait exhibits a remarkable high level of detail in a small package. The sitter's half smile, curls, straw hat, and musculature of his arm are as easily read as his patterned vest, necktie, the folds of his shirt, and, of course, the metalic sheen of his colt dragoon firearm. Expertly-applied green tinting of the sitter's vest is visible upon very close inspection. The plate is nearly flawless. A very thin border of tarnish follows the mat's shape at the left, lower, and upper edges. Upon very close inspection, there are a few tiny light-rust-colored spots: 3 to the right of the sitter and one on the sitter's hand. This does not detract from the plate's fine appearance. This daguerreotype was lightly cleaned and resealed in 2011 by Casey Waters, Exeter, NH. Handwriting in pencil on the modern seal notes that the plate bears a 'HBH 40' hallmark. The hook on the leather case is lacking.
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 grinning man in this bold and clear daguerreotype is depicted proudly brandishing his Colt Dragoon, likely second model.  Designed and manufactured by Samuel Colt (1814-1865), Colt revolvers of the 1840s and 1850s – notably the Colt Walker and Colt Dragoon – were unparalleled in the history of firearms and played a key role in the culture of the American West.  Unlike earlier single-shot firearms, Colt’s revolutionary revolvers had a rotary cylinder capable of discharging 6 shots without reloading.  Introduced in 1847, the Colt Walker was used heavily throughout the Mexican-American War, especially by the Texas Rangers.  The Colt Dragoon, a smaller, lighter model, was introduced the following year and became a popular pistol for law enforcement and civilians alike.  In the unsettled great American West, many miners and pioneers considered the Colt required equipment and, at the height of the Gold Rush, a Dragoon could trade for several hundred dollars of gold in San Francisco.