Anonymous American Photographer

sixth-plate daguerreotype, cased, 1850s

Stanley B. Burns, Mirror Mirror: The Burns Collection Daguerreotypes (New York: The Burns Archive Press, 2012), pl. 76

This finely detailed plate is in generally very good condition. Some of the visual 'noise' one sees when examining this plate appears to be due to residue on the underside of the cover glass, and not to accretions on the plate itself. As is visible in the catalogue illustration, there is characteristic tarnish following the contours of the mat. Upon close inspection, a constellation of unobtrusive, tiny, spidery white adhesions is visible, primarily in the upper portion of the image. There are 2 tiny light-rust colored spots along the sitter's hairline. There are dark accretions on the textured mat. There is an old black paper seal, which has broken along the upper edge and been supplemented by a white paper seal along the right edge. The case is intact but worn overall.
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.