Early sixth-plate studio portrait daguerreotype beneath a heavy oval brass mat with geometric engine-turned honeycomb/basketweave texturing, housed without a preserver in a deep velvet-lined wooden half case of the distinct style used by Robert Cornelius and early Philadelphia operators. N.p., ca. early 1840s. Accompanied by a period printed engraving carte de visite of celebrated American author Washington Irving. The lot includes: 

1. Sixth-Plate Daguerreotype Portrait. A bust-length portrait capturing a middle-aged gentleman posed half-turned toward the viewer with his right arm resting across his midsection, tucked casually into his vest. He displays a clean-shaven face with pronounced jowls, dark slicked-back hair curling slightly over the ears, and facial proportions that bear a striking resemblance to literary icon Washington Irving (1783–1859). He wears classic early 1840s attire: a dark tailored frock coat with wide notch lapels, a dark matching waistcoat, a high white shirt with standing collar points, and a dark silk cravat tied closely around the neck. Housed in a dark paper-covered wood half case lined with rich forest-green velvet along the perimeter walls, typical of the pioneering period before the standardization of hinged double-lid cases and stamped preservers.

2. Washington Irving Carte de Visite. An albumen carte-de-visite reproduction of an engraved portrait after Christian Schussele, showing Irving seated in his library with head resting thoughtfully on his hand. Printed below the image within the border: "WASHINGTON IRVING."

The physical characteristics of the housing closely mirror the early pioneer casings associated with the Philadelphia studio of Robert Cornelius (1839–1842) and his immediate circle. While the sitter remains unidentified, the visual affinity to contemporary life portraits of Irving makes this an intriguing study piece from the dawn of American photography.

[Daguerreotype, Sixth Plate, Robert Cornelius, Cornelius Style, Half Case, Green Velvet, Washington Irving, Lookalike, 1840s, Pioneer Photography, Early American Photography, Carte de Visite, CDV, Cased Image, Literature]

Fair condition. The daguerreotype exhibits strong underlying clarity, but the plate displays distinct old wiping marks across the center field, along with scattered pinprick oxidation specks and tarnish haloing along the oval perimeter. The accompanying CDV is in very good condition with even toning and clean edges.