Bidspirit auction | Circa 1850s Sixth-Plate Daguerreotype Portrait

Circa 1850s Sixth-Plate Daguerreotype Portrait of a Woman and Child in Embossed Case - A mid-19th century sixth-plate cased daguerreotype featuring a seated portrait of an elderly woman in a bonnet alongside a young child. The photographic image is set behind a gilded metal mat with an octagonal opening and a textured surface. The assembly is contained within a hinged wood case covered in an embossed material, likely leather or paper, which displays a central floral and foliate scrollwork design. The interior lid is finished with a coral-colored silk cushion. There are no readable maker marks, signatures, or inscriptions visible on the case, mat, or interior lining. Measurements: The case measures 3.75 inches in height. When open, the case measures 7.5 inches in width. When closed, the case measures 3.25 inches in width. The photographic image exhibits heavy white spotting and extensive surface degradation across the entire portrait area (Photos 1, 3, 4, and 5). The exterior case shows significant rubbing and loss to the surface finish along all edges and corners (Photos 6 and 7). The interior coral silk lining is faded and shows minor wear and fraying at the margins (Photos 1 and 2).