William Shew

half-plate daguerreotype, the photographer's '113 MONTG.Y. ST., SAN FRANCISCO.' credit stamped on the mat, with a modern seal, mid-1850s

San Diego, Museum of Photographic Arts, Points of Entry: A Nation of Strangers, September - November 1995, and traveling thereafter to 6 institutions 

Stanley B. Burns, Mirror Mirror: The Burns Collection Daguerreotypes (New York: The Burns Archive Press, 2012), pl. 52

Vicki Goldberg and Arthur Ollman, A Nation of Strangers (San Diego: Museum of Photographic Arts, 1995), p. 36

This remarkable half-plate daguerreotype, made out of doors and not within the confines of the photographer's studio, is nearly pristine. With or without the aid of magnification, illuminating details are clearly visible, including the rocky landscape, the distinctive hats of several of the miners, various gold prospecting tools, and the cabin on the hillside. Upon close inspection, the following are visible: very minor rubbing from the mat along the extreme upper edge; and a few pin-point-sized light-rust-colored spots. With the aid of magnification, a series of extremely faint hairline scratches are barely visible in the lower right portion of the image. This is well-camouflaged by the high level of detail in this portion of the image. There are isolated areas of small dark accretions on the mat. The floral-patterned case, with floral-stamped velvet interior, is in generally excellent condition. There is minimal rubbing along the edges and few losses to the leather near the hinges. The glass has been replaced and the plate was resealed in 2017.
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.