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| D08-203. IN THE NAVY. According to an expert in the field, who asked to remain anonymous, the serious young man was a, U.S. Navy Lieutenant taken prior to the1845 regulation (which was implemented in 1846) that Lieutenants wear an epaulette on both shoulders instead of only on the right shoulder. In this image he is wearing either a shoulder strap in lieu of the epaulette or perhaps the attachment strap for the Epaulette. (Remember, daguerreotypes are laterally reversed. Hence the shoulder strap does appear on his left shoulder in the archivally sealed sixth plate). I suspect that he was taken outdoors, while seated inside a tent, circa 1843-44. The hand cut plate has flat sides and narrow clipped corners. There is a "40" imprint over another hallmark that unfortunately is unreadable. The brass mat, while correct for that period might have replaced a gold gilded rectangular paper mat that someone switched when the surface of the dag was physically cleaned many years ago. Since the daguerreian had a makeshift studio and a subject accustom to hearing and obeying orders, he most likely assumed (correctly) that if he suggested that the man firmly anchor (pun intended) himself on the chair and not move while the lens was uncapped, he could make a successful likeness. I have always been impressed by the officer s unwavering stare that pierced the plate s surface. Inside the center of those poignant eyes lie clues to the fellow s location. There are three areas of nearly equal illumination; directly overhead, from behind the operator and entering the space from the right side. The addition of the fancy cloth with the very odd hanging baubles, was typical of a style created by many makers, circa 1842-44. They apparently were interested in adding a painterly flair to their portraits. The seaman s rugged face is deeply sunburned below those penetrating eyes. Naturally, on board a ship, he would have worn a hat most of the time, which shaded his forehead. There is scattered tarnish above and below him and a couple faint mold spiders. The complete leather case has a rectangular border near the outer edges of the plain surfaces. A faded purple silk pad is opposite the poser. $4,250 |
