Sixth Plate Daguerreotype Value Guide

Civil War Era Daguerreotype Photo in Original Case. For Sale ... — Sixth Plate Daguerreotype

Estimated Value

$150 – $165

Period: 1845-1855
Origin: United States
Materials: Silver-plated copper, glass, brass, wood, leather, velvet
Category: Daguerreotype

This mid-19th century sixth plate daguerreotype captures a seated man in a formal frock coat and cravat, representing the first commercially successful photographic process. As a unique image on silver-plated copper, it stands as a significant artifact of the 1845-1855 era when lifelike portraiture first became accessible to the middle class.

What Is Sixth Plate Daguerreotype Worth?

The typical price range for Sixth Plate Daguerreotype is $150 - $165 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

Condition of the silvered surface, specifically the presence of tarnish, 'solarization', or physical scratches.
The completeness and state of the leather-bound wooden case, including the integrity of the hinge and the velvet lining.
The clarity and subject matter of the portrait, with formal attire like the frock coat and cravat adding historical appeal.
The presence of the original cover glass and brass mat which protect the delicate silver image from oxidation.

How to Identify Sixth Plate Daguerreotype?

Look for the characteristic mirror-like reflection on the silver-plated copper sheet, which is a hallmark of the daguerreotype process.
Check for the standard sixth-plate dimensions, which typically measure approximately 2.75 by 3.25 inches.
Examine the housing for a leather-bound wooden case featuring an embossed velvet lining and a protective brass mat.
Verify the image's depth and clarity, as authentic daguerreotypes are known for their extreme level of detail compared to later tintypes.

History of Sixth Plate Daguerreotype

Introduced in 1839, the daguerreotype was the first commercially successful photographic process. It produced a unique image on a silver-plated copper sheet. These portraits were highly prized as the first time middle-class individuals could afford a lifelike likeness of themselves or loved ones. The sixth-plate size was the most popular and affordable format for such portraits.