D03-191. WINSOME MOM. I was astounded when I initially opened the repaired quarter plate leather case and gazed at the beauty of the young mother, holding her recalcitrant daughter, who actually is too old to be nestled on her moms lap. Naturally, I noticed the bright pigments on the childs dress and her rosy red cheeks. I applauded the womans efforts in keeping the little lass still while the exposure was made. The holographic depth kept flirting with my visual acuity, while I turned and angled their magnificent likeness. Heavy rainbow hues of patina effectively keep them inside the lovely double elliptical brass mat. That is a scab or natural blemish on the edge of the babes mouth. Her mothers clear blue eyes and lovely lightly pursed lips created a calm, soothing appearance on her face, framed by bouncy curly dark hair. Then it struck me, hard. Why is the woman wearing a totally black dress? Why is her wedding ring displayed on the wrong finger? Can this possibly be a mourning daguerreotype? Was her husband, and the childs father recently diseased? So many questions with no concrete answers. The next owner will have to carry on the search. There is one mold spider on the left near moms hand and a few brown and blue tiny spots. The jewel has been archivally sealed. $745