Daguerreotype of a young gentleman in a suit. New York, 1851-54.

Sixth plate daguerreotype with applied colour, 80 x 70 mm (sight), in an oval brass mat stamped ‘THOMPSON 315 B.WAY N.Y.’, ormolu preserver; housed in a leather case (Berg 4-46 Throwing Flowers C) with two working clasps; the red velvet lining has the raised imprint of ‘J. W. THOMPSON ARTIST 315 B.WAY NEW YORK’; the daguerreotype has a faint tarnish halo, but is otherwise superb; the case has some light rubbing, but is also in fine condition.

Josiah W. Thompson, daguerreotypist, advertised his “Thompson’s Skylight Gallery” at 315 Broadway between 1851 and around 1854.