1/6 plate D Octagonal Brass Mat with velvet imprinted lining J. Plumbe Estimated Dates -1840s

J. Plumbe / John Plumbe The U.S. government hired John Plumbe to investigate the possibility of an east-west, coast to coast railroad link. When funds ran out in 1841, he took up daguerreotypy, opening 14 studios nationwide in just four years. He became one of the largest suppliers of apparatus and materials and was the first to attempt a "famous portraits" collection. He also developed hand-engraved daguerreotype copies which he called "plumbeotypes". Although a relatively large number of images bear John Plumbe's name, few of them were actually taken by him. The example shown is most likely a portrait created by one of his studio operators, but not Plumbe himself. Plumbe traveled extensively throughout the 1840s, still dedicated to the idea of a transcontinental railroad, and began selling off his galleries in 1847. (Mace, 8).

* note images were often taken out of their original cases although this image appears to be by J. Plumbe it is not definitive

* Available for purchase Item # 19BW