Anonymous American Photographers

a group of 6 sixth-plate daguerreotypes, comprising Man Demonstrating Violin; Composer and his Work; Bearded Man with Bow and Violin; Man Posed with Clarinet & Composition; Young Man with Violin; and Clarinetist, each cased, 1840s-50s (6)

Stanley B. Burns, Mirror Mirror: The Burns Collection Daguerreotypes (New York: The Burns Archive Press, 2012), pl. 88

A detailed report for each plate is beyond the scope of this condition report; those wishing condition reports on specific plates are welcome to contact the Photographs Department. Condition of these sixth-plate daguerreotypes ranges from generally fair to very good. Colorful tarnish is visible to varying degrees on most of the plates extending from the edges of the mat. Tiny spots, accretions, swipes, and hairline scratches are also visible upon close examination on several of the plates. Man Demonstrating Violin: When examined in raking light, thin swipe marks and very occasional pitting are visible on the glass. The cover is detaching from the case slightly, and was possibly previously repaired. Composer and his Work: The case is worn with several losses to the leather, and the spine was likely previously repaired. Bearded Man with Bow and Violin: The case is intact. Man Posed with Clarinet & Composition: There are scattered fibrous deposits on the underside of the glass. The case cover is detached and the velvet lining inside the front cover is detaching. Young Man with Violin:There is a small area of soiling on the front of the glass, near the lower left corner. The case is intact. Clarinetist: Some tiny white/clear spots are visible on the underside of the glass. There is a small area of soiling on the front of the glass, near the upper left corner. The case is intact.
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.