Anonymous American Photographer

sixth-plate daguerreotype, inscribed 'D. W. Weston, Artist, at Factory Gulf, August 4, 1854' on the reverse of the plate, in a half-case, inscribed 'Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth and a foot out of Joint, Prov XXV Chapt, XIX Vrs' in an unidentified hand on the case interior, circa 1854

This sixth-plate daguerreotype is heavily tarnished, as is visible in the catalogue illustration, although the central portion of the image remains unaffected and the 8 sitters are plainly visible. The men pictured here are posed carrying various tools, including a large shovel, rakes, and hoes. A few small scratches appear to be on the glass and not on the plate. The green leather half-case is worn and there are losses of leather where a hinge is no longer present.
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.

‘Factory Gulf’ in Skaneateles, New York, was so nicknamed around 1805 for Amos Miner's factory that produced accelerated wheel heads for spinning wool.  In 1817, William Patten erected a clothing factory in the same area and, with his brother-in-law, Edmund C. Weston, ran the ‘Clothing, Fulling, and Carding Works’ factory.  Weston fathered many children, including a son named Daniel W. Weston, possibly the ‘D W Weston’ etched on the reverse of the present plate.