Ambrotype: The are many fine details of this plate, including the sitter's very handsome facial features, his vibrant red shirt, as well as the gold ring, belt, pocket watch chain, 'Trojan' belt, and hat. There is a thin fibrous deposit on the plate close to the lower edge. When examined in raking light, circular spots are visible in the area of the sitter's trousers.This case has a mismatched, detached cover. One of the latches for the hooks is lacking. Daguerreotype: The sitter's cheeks are blush-tinted and his shirt is tinted a robust red. There is a thick, colorful band of tarnish along the upper, lower, and right edges of the image following the contours of the mat. There are scattered small, spots, primarily within the area of tarnish, and a few faint linear scratches near the the upper right. As is visible in the catalogue illustration, a small, thin paper remnant is trapped between the plate and the glass at the upper left corner. Upon close inspection, scattered deposits, possibly fibers, are visible on the plate overall. There is a tiny mark at the center of the plate near the sitter's necktie: either a deposit of indeterminate nature, or a tiny nick to the surface of the plate. There appears to be a hazy film on the underside of the glass. There are small spots of green tarnish on the mat. The leather case is worn but intact.
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.