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A. Bogardus Daguerreotype of Nelson Walker 1850-70

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 400.00 USD
A. Bogardus Daguerreotype of Nelson Walker 1850-70
Featured in this lot is this 1850-1870s daguerreotype of a man named Nelson Walker, taken by renowned photographer Abraham Bogardus (1822-1908). Abraham Bogardus worked as a clerk in a dry goods store in the late 1830s, and in 1845 he displayed a painting at the American Institute. He also studied the daguerreotype technique in New York City around 1845 under George W. Prosch. At the intersection of Barclay and Greenwich Streets in New York City, he opened a daguerreotype gallery in 1846 at 363 Broadway. Bogardus moved his gallery from New York City to 229 Greenwich Street in 1851. He was recorded there from 1852 to 1860 and listed his address as 36 King Street. At 1153 Broadway in New York, he was listed in partnership with the Baltimore, Maryland-based Bendann Brothers (Daniel and David) in 1871. When Bendanns retired in 1873, the partnership was ended. For the American Bank Note Co., Bogardus created daguerreotypes of bank note designs in 1873. He left the business of photography in 1887. He was reportedly planning to settle in Stark, North Dakota, on behalf of the Dakota Land Company in 1891. In his 15 to 17 years as a working daguerreotyper, Bogardus recalled producing and selling about 200,000 daguerreotypes.
The daguerreotype sits in a gorgeous enameled and wood case with mother of pearl inlays featured on the front of the case. The front shows a floral design, while the spine shows a gold gilt scroll design and reads "Token" in gold gilt as well. One side of the inside of the case features a red wine colored piece of felt, while the other side houses the photo. The photo shows Nelson Walker looking directly towards the viewer. He is dressed nicely and his hair is combed and slicked back. He appears to be holding a pocket watch as there is a pocket watch chain coming from his shirt to his hand. The bottom right of the gold colored frame reads, "Bogardus". Overall the case and photo show good condition with some wear to the case from its age and use over the years. The case measures 3 7/8" L x 3 7/16" W x 13/16" D and weighs 141.5 grams.