Bidspirit auction | Simon W. Colton, Philadelphia, Sixth-Plate

Simon W. Colton, Philadelphia, Sixth-Plate Daguerreotype Portrait of Two Women - This sixth-plate daguerreotype features a seated studio portrait of two young women. The subject on the left is dressed in a light-toned gown with a dark shawl draped over her shoulders, while the subject on the right wears a dark, potentially patterned, dress. The image is protected by glass and set within a decorative gilt brass mat and preserver with embossed floral and foliate designs. The portrait is housed in an embossed leather-covered wood case. The interior red velvet pad is deeply embossed with a decorative eagle motif and text identifying the studio of Simon W. Colton: DAGUERREOTYPE ARTIST / S. W. COLTON / SKY LIGHT GALLERY / 265 RACE ST. / BELOW 8TH / PHILA PA. S. W. Colton is a documented photographer active in Philadelphia during the mid-19th century. The photograph is a unique image produced on a silver-plated copper plate. Case: 3.75 x 3.25 inches Detailed Condition Report: The daguerreotype plate displays characteristic silvering and tarnish primarily along the perimeter. Minor surface dust is visible under the glass. The leather-covered case shows moderate external shelf wear with scuffing at the corners and edges. The spine of the case is split, separating the front and back covers. The interior gilt mat, preserver, and embossed velvet pad remain well-preserved with clear detail. The daguerreotype plate displays characteristic silvering and tarnish primarily along the perimeter. Minor surface dust is visible under the glass. The leather-covered case shows moderate external shelf wear with scuffing at the corners and edges. The spine of the case is split, separating the front and back covers. The interior gilt mat, preserver, and embossed velvet pad remain well-preserved with clear detail.