68: A NEWLY DISCOVERED HALF PLATE GOLD MINING DAGUERREOTYPE

Sluicing 1840s. (1845)
The outstanding example is framed by the photographer in a way that guides the eye into the scene via a diagonal wood sluice and highlights its features, like the miner with tinted clothing and rake straddling the wood water trough. To the left is an African American in light blue shirt, denim-colored trousers, and red leggings. To the right are workers in tinted trousers - one with red shirt, one in white. A tin pan on the ground, and the sluice of flowing water are both optimistically embellished with gold nugget highlights. Picks and shovels complete the scene and another elevated wood structure runs horizontally behind the man on the left.

The pate is hallmarked DOUBLE A. GAUDIN 40 as shown in the online images.
Each measures 6 x 4.75 inches.
Very good condition, noting a surface rub to the right of the sluice and typical halo of tarnish. The hinge of the original case has just recently given way.


The image in this case was nearly completely obscured by a thick coating of residue on the inside of the glass, possibly related to whatever the issue was that discolored and affected the red velvet interior of the top cover, as shown in the images. The piece may have come into contact with moisture. Because it appeared there was thick residue on the glass, the piece was opened, the glass was cleaned, the hallmark noted and it was then resealed. The resealing work was not done by an antique photographic image expert. The image was then returned to the case. The fit is very, very tight. Offering the image in the state that it was found in would not have been of proper service to the seller.
$8,000 - $10,000