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| D08-142. SOMETIMES . . . The dag God is kind to children and fools. The latter in this specific example is a moron who altered the appearance of this charming resealed sixth plate dag. Someone removed a perfectly fine brass mat from circa 1848 and scratched the lower right corner of the image during that process. To cover that travesty they selected an oval mat used 10 years later, taped over Filmoplast with an unknown adhesive and placed their "handiwork" into a later leather case. Casey and I were completely appalled when he began the restoration process. We found the original mat style but the new addition had left harsh oval scrapes around the curious dark eyed gal. We settled on this smaller opening example, used circa 1845-48, which at least kept us in the proper realm of when the remarkably tinted tyke was taken. Then, I went upstairs and found a stunning complete leather case also used in the later 1840s to complete the refurbished presentation. There is a bright gold embossed geometric design in the black leather case cover. I have been searching antique shops for years trying to find an ebony Plinth to place one solitary daguerreotype where that bouquet is. Then I would highlight it with a single beam of light for the ultimate extraordinary presentation! The dark prop in the little girl's likeness would be perfect! Neither Casey nor I have seen this particular element previously. That delicate woven basket held a variety of brightly colored flowers. The cute little youngster rested her hand flat on the shiny surface and watched the maker work. One rust spot is on the red plaid dress and there are white marks on the wood, but they aren't scratches. $735 |
