Unknown Murphy family member, Daguerreotype, circa 1845-1850 - Notice pink blush on face
My grandmother inherited a great deal of many treasures from a family which these items could not be claimed. The Murphy family in Brentwood and Round Valley left behind some very historic items, including these beautiful daguerreotypes.
Daguerreotypes are often confused and often lumped together with tintypes and Ambrotypes, two later forms of photography. The tintype is often very easy to distinguish between a Daguerreotype, if you are holding the two side by side. Daguerreotypes are printed onto a mirrored piece of glass, using silver to expose the image. Therefore, capturing a Daguerreotype with a camera can be difficult when it wants to get you in the image, as well.
Tintypes are developed onto a piece of tin, which has no glass and no mirror. It's also very thin compared to a Daguerreotype, (like a piece of sheet metal) and is pliable.
Ambrotypes are slightly different than a Daguerreotype. To combat the reflection issue of daguerreotypes, the ambrotype came into existence. Instead of a silver backing, ambrotypes have a black emulsion painted behind the glass. As time goes on, this emulsion can crack.
Clasp of case - the case was made as a thermoplastic, a rarity for that era, but ahead of its time!
Front view showing clasps
As you can see, this very reflective image captured my hands inside the mirror.
A unique view, showing cracking and tarnish
Stunning blue velvet interior of one of the photo cases. It felt as if it were brand new.
Unknown Murphy family member, Daguerreotype, circa 1845-1850 - Notice pink blush on face, gold painted earrings, belt, ring and reddish flower she's holding.
A pensive look, circa 1850s
