Rufus Anson (1820-1900), William Bell (1830-1910), Jeremiah Gurney (1812-1886), John T. Williams (active 1850-1859), and Anonymous American Photographer

a group of 5 daguerreotypes comprising 4 sixth-plates and one quarter-plate, comprising The Scribe by Rufus Anson; The Butcher by William Bell; The Judge by Jeremiah Gurney; The Carpenter by John T. Williams; and The Accountant with Ledger, each cased, 1840s-50s (5)

Stanley B. Burns, Mirror Mirror: The Burns Collection Daguerreotypes (New York: The Burns Archive Press, 2012), pls. 15, 41, and 60

A detailed report for each plate is beyond the scope of this condition report; those wishing condition reports on specific plates are welcome to contact the Photographs Department. 'The Scribe' (with Rufus Anson's credit and '589 Broadway' stamped on the mat) - Upon close inspection in raking light, the following are visible: scattered faint rust-colored and translucent spots overall; and a general fogginess that appears to be on the underside of the glass rather than on the plate itself. There are 4 tiny green spots on the plate. There is minor tarnish at the lower edge of the mat. The case is worn overall and the spine has been reinforced. 'The Butcher' (with William Bell's credit and 'Jenny Lind Gallery 36 N. Second St. Phila' stamped on the velvet lining) - The sitter's cheeks are blush-tinted. There is a colorful band of tarnish, which mostly follows the edges of the mat. Rust-colored deposits are visible overall. There is a small chip to the cover glass at the upper left corner. There are some tiny green spots of tarnish on the mat. Remnants of the old seal are visible in the rear of the case. An annotation on the seal reads 'old seal broken and new seal 10/21/87 K. A.' 'The Judge' (with Jeremiah Gurney's credit and '349 Broadway' stamped on the mat) - This plate is exceptionally clear. There are 2 pen-point-sized rust-colored spots above the sitter's left shoulder. There is a small area of discoloration near the left-center edge along the contour of the mat. There are tiny scattered dark accretions on the mat. This plate is not sealed, but remnants of the old seal are visible. The case is intact but worn overall and the spine appears to have been repaired. 'The Carpenter' (with John T. Williams' credit and 'Premium Gallery York Pa.' stamped on the velvet lining) - There are 2 very small circular rust-colored spots, one above the sitter's left shoulder and the other on the sitter's right arm. Upon close inspection, there is barely discernible tarnish near the edges of the mat, most visibly at the lower edge. The case is worn but intact. 'The Accountant with Ledger' - There is a tiny green accretion on the sitter's right hand. There are scattered minuscule scratches that are confined mostly to the lower right edge near the mat and are visible only upon close inspection. There are occasional areas of tarnish, again mostly at the edges. This plate appears to have a modern seal. The case is intact but worn overall, and the spine appears to have been repaired.
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.