American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography, including The Larry Ness Collection of Native American Photography

Sale 6425

Live

| Cincinnati

Oct 23 | 10:00 AM EDT

Live

| Cincinnati

Lot 109

[EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY]. Half plate daguerreotype scene of a group of playful musicians and guests posed together with diverse instruments before a detailed studio backdrop.

Lot 109

[EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY]. Half plate daguerreotype scene of a group of playful musicians and guests posed together with diverse instruments before a detailed studio backdrop.

Status:

Closed

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,500

Estimate$1,500 – $2,500

Status

Closed

[EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY]. Half plate daguerreotype scene of a group of playful musicians and guests posed together with diverse instruments before a detailed studio backdrop.

Half plate landscape-oriented portrait of a group of 8 men and women, 6 visibly holding instruments including a clarinet, horn, guitar, accordion, and violin. The subjects are posed variously, with some looking at the camera, others posed in profile, and others still gazing in diverse directions. One young man appears to be playing his horn. The overall scene seems almost theatrical, as if it captures is a troupe playing out a scene from the stage.

Though the sitters in this remarkable scene are unidentified, the elaborate painted backdrop has been tentatively identified by Michael Helfrich as one used by an unknown daguerreian in Rochester, NY (Helfrich, Personal Communication, September, 2026). Helfrich has identified multiple images in which portions of the distinctive background (particularly the moon visible on the left hand side of the backdrop) are visible. One image is identified in the case as being taken in Rochester, NY. Other photographs of images utilizing the same backdrop have been located and are available upon request.

Housed in a fully separated leatherette case (split at spine, surface wear and loss throughout,).

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Plate with a few blemishes including a notable 1/2 inch diagonal scratch to left side, wiping to lower right corner, and some occasional chemical spotting/clouding. Resealed.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]

Please contact the Auction Specialist for details.

Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

[email protected]513.666.4958

Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

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American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography, including The Larry Ness Collection of Native American Photography

[EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY]. Half plate daguerreotype scene of a group of playful musicians and guests posed together with diverse instruments before a detailed studio backdrop.

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