D01-173. COUPLE BY HALE. This pair is in a sixth plate daguerreotype that's in nearly perfect condition with only a small mold spider in the upper left area, at the mat's edge. There is faint tarnish tracing the scalloped mat shape. It looks as if the two were seated on a couch. The husband sat with his right hand in his lap and left arm around his wife, who has a curious smirk on her face. Could she have been upset with him for failing to comb down and control the worst case of "winged hat head" that I have ever seen? He has a low beard and two small wing like patches of hair on the sides of his head. Under his suit that bright vest is a shiny silk material. He also had a bow tie knotted at his throat. The woman comfortably folded her hands in her lap. She wore a plain dress, covered with a shawl that also reflected the exceptional illumination that bathed them in brightness. Both adults have tinted cheeks. On the inside velvet case pad, is an imprint from the photographer, it reads: L.M. HALE ARTIST. 109 WASHINGTON ST. BOSTON. The whole leather case has a floral design. Luther Holman Hale was a solid daguerreotypist. The duo represents a splendid example of his work. The piece has been archivally retaped. $225