#626. OUTSTANDING! Bear with me folks, because I am out of my element when it comes to describing men wearing tights and costumes that are unfamiliar to me. I can emphatically state that this handsome gentleman visited a daguerreotypist, most likely here in the states, who was highly skilled in the art of creating memorable portraits. I am going to speculate that the man was from Turkey and that he was part of a dance or acting troupe. Initially, I thought he might be wearing a military uniform, until I noticed the soft slippers on his feet. The cameraman positioned his subject in the center of his small studio. He used a head restraint to partially immobilize the man. Although he is surrounded by a broad band of multi-hued patina (which seems quite appropriate when the magnificent layers of applied pigments are seen) I believe that the slice of white on the left side is part of the studio's reflector board. The fellow's broad midnight mustache, long tightly curled black hair and dark unwavering eyes immediately grab our attention. Who was he? His pose is unusual; almost done with a casual appearance. Yet, I sense a great deal of strength and coiled energy in him. Casey noted after he archivally taped the sixth plate that the four sides of the plate are bent upwards. Only a handful of daguerreians used that style, with Thomas Easterly of St. Louis, being the most prominent. His daguerreotypes of Indians and the subsequent tinting of them created a magical affect. And so it is with this extraordinary chap. The surface has a few flecks and specks that are harmless. There is one ping touching the top of that red and gold fez. The unusual case has separated along the spine. $4,900