Exceptional archive of three (3) cased daguerreotypes of Boston merchant and genealogist, Samuel P. May (1828-1913), comprising:

1. Sixth plate seated studio portrait daguerreotype. Boston: Southworth & Hawes, 1848. Full leatherette case. Contemporary period slip pinned to inner velvet lining identifying the sitter and date. 

The portrait depicts May at age 19 seated in a carved studio chair, attired in a tailored dark coat, high-collared vest, and patterned cravat. The plate exhibits Southworth & Hawes' hallmark atmospheric directional lighting and psychological presence, accompanied by typical peripheral silver oxidation and dusting.

2. Quarter plate seated studio portrait daguerreotype. N.p., n.d. Full leatherette case. Contemporary period slip pinned to inner velvet lining identifying the sitter. 

The striking, sculptural bust portrait shows May in a dark frock coat and light waistcoat, executed with sharp optical resolution across his face, hair, and clothing, exhibiting light, even tarnish along the extreme margins.

3. Quarter plate vignetted studio bust portrait daguerreotype. New York: Marcus A. Root & Samuel Root, ca. 1850s. Separated full leatherette case. Brass mat stamped with photographer's imprint. Contemporary period slip pinned to inner velvet lining identifying the sitter and his home city of Boston. 

The vignette portrait captures a slightly older May in refined three-quarters bust profile, his cravat accented with subtle, pale blue hand-tinting. The plate displays clean fields, luminous skin tones, and rich contrast.

Samuel Pearce May was a prominent Boston merchant and antiquarian scholar, author of several authoritative nineteenth-century New England genealogical works, including The Descendants of Richard Shattuck and The Sears Genealogy. Contemporary groupings of identified antebellum portraits linking works by both Boston’s premier partnership of Southworth & Hawes and New York’s esteemed Root Gallery are virtually unheard of, but reflect May's scholarly, traveling lifestyle. 

[Daguerreotype, Southworth and Hawes, Southworth & Hawes, Boston Photography, Marcus Root, Samuel Root, Root Gallery, 363 Broadway, New York City, Sixth Plate, Quarter Plate, Cased Images, Samuel P May, Identified Daguerreotype, Antebellum Portraiture, 19th Century Photography]

Overall condition is very good. The sixth plate by Southworth & Hawes shows soft peripheral tarnish, pinpoint dusting, and expected edge age consistent with an uncleaned early plate. Both quarter plates are in very good to fine condition, boasting crisp focal definition, rich contrast, and bright, mirrored surfaces. The cases show light exterior shelf wear to the leather coverings, with the Southworth & Hawes "Boston" case retaining an intact original hinge.