William Shew

half-plate daguerreotype, hand-tinted, the photographer's credit and 'San Francisco' stamped on the mat, cased, circa 1854

Stanley B. Burns, Mirror Mirror: The Burns Collection Daguerreotypes (New York: The Burns Archive Press, 2012), pl. 71

This thoughtfully composed double portrait is very well-executed. Light rose-color tinting on the cheeks enlivens the sitters and the details of their clothing, hats, and facial features are quite legible. An uneven, thin border of tarnish follows the mat's shape. Upon close inspection, a few pin-point and pen-point sized rust-colored spots are visible. A few very small spidery white accretions are visible upon close inspection near the upper left, lower right, and lower left corners. While the covers of the case are generally in very good condition, there is wear at the edges. The leather is cracking along the spine and separating on the rear cover near the hinges.
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.