Anonymous American Photographers

a group of 4 sixth-plate daguerreotypes, comprising Homeopathic Physician; Surgeon with his Scalpel; Physician with Paraphernalia; and Meade - Painting of a Surgeon, each cased, mid-1840s to early 1850s (4)

Stanley B. Burns, Mirror Mirror: The Burns Collection Daguerreotypes (New York: The Burns Archive Press, 2012), pls. 112, 119 C, and 120 B & D

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. 'Homeopathic Physician' (upper left catalogue illustration): As is visible in the illustration, there are spots overall on the plate and discoloration in several areas, notably in the lower left quadrant. The case is intact but worn overall with a small loss to the leather near the hook. 'Physician with Paraphernalia' (upper right catalogue illustration): This plate is very clear and clean. There is a thin band of dark tarnish along the contours of the oval mat, and a pen-point-sized spot of tarnish in the upper right quadrant of the image. This plate is in a thermoplastic case, which has a small loss. 'Meade - Painting of a Surgeon' (lower left catalogue illustration): There is a thin, faint band of tarnish that is visible mostly along the upper and right sides of the mat. There are tiny speckles at the lower left corner of the plate. The case is intact but worn overall and its cover, which may have been previously repaired, is detaching slightly. 'Surgeon with his Scalpel' (lower right catalogue illustration): As is visible in the illustration, there are 2 pin-point-sized dark spots in the sitter's body and a slightly larger spot above his right shoulder. There is also a lighter spot near the lower right side with a faint light halo of discoloration. There is a thin band of dark tarnish that follows the contours of the mat but not the entire way around. There are some streak marks on the glass that do not affect the plate. The case is intact but worn overall with occasional losses of leather.
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.