#634. THE BEST ID. The back of plate this sixth plate is coated with a peculiar yellow resin over the copper. I have examined many thousands of daguerreotypes and have seen this application only on plates, which Matthew Brady's studio produced, circa 1848-1852. Naturally, someone might add a maker marked mat or case to an otherwise mundane dag, to trick an unaware buyer. Brady's signature with this coating is unmistakable. It helps here that the gentleman was daguerreotyped in an exquisite profile. In fact, written in pencil on the reverse is H . . . . Abbott. So we also know his name. Brady's gallery, at 205 and 207 Broadway in NYC (during this time frame) was a focal point of rich and famous patrons and visitors. The fellow might provide the next owner with an opportunity for further research. I believe that the surface was definitely cleaned by an unknown method many years ago, which might account for the manner that the plate has re-oxidized. Also, on close examination, Abbott's face once was professionally hand-colored. He still presents us with an awesome example of the superb work those operators at Brady's produced. The separated leather case has a stunning, embossed green velvet pad and a matching velvet liner. $2,400