Daguerreotype
The earliest commercial photographs — mirror-bright images on silvered copper.
Antique 1/6th Plate Daguerreotype Young Man with Long Hair in Suit 1850s
Antique 1/9th Plate Daguerreotype Young Woman Seated in Dark Dress White Collar
Antique 1/9th Daguerreotype Woman Young Girl Ornate Dual Thermoplastic Case
Antique Daguerreotype Young Girl in Patterned Dress Victorian Portrait
1/6TH PLATE CASED DAGUERREOTYPE CIRCA 1850s YOUNG LADY IN FANCY CHECKERED DRESS
1/6TH PLATE CASED DAGUERREOTYPE CIRCA 1850s OLDER LADY IN DRESS HAND-TINTED
1/6TH PLATE CASED DAGUERREOTYPE CIRCA 1850s LADY IN DRESS HAND-TINTED IDENTIFIED
ANTIQUE 1/6TH PLATE CASED DAGUERREOTYPE CIRCA 1850s LADY IN BLACK MOURNING DRESS
Daguerreotypes are the first commercially successful photographic process, invented by Louis Daguerre and announced in 1839. The image sits on the polished silver surface of a copper plate; viewed at the right angle it shifts between a positive image and a mirror reflection.
HistoryOrigin & era
Each daguerreotype is a unique one-off — there is no negative. Plates are sealed behind glass with a paper or metal mat, then housed in hinged leather, thermoplastic ("Union"), or wooden cases. The process dominated 1840–1855 before being supplanted by the cheaper ambrotype and tintype, though high-end studios continued making them into the 1860s.
IdentificationHow to spot a Daguerreotype
- Mirror-like reflective surface — image flips between positive and mirror as you tilt it.
- Always sealed behind glass — never bare.
- Almost always cased (leather, wood, or thermoplastic "Union" case).
- Plates are silver on copper — heavier than a tintype, and not magnetic.
- Hallmarks stamped on the plate edge identify the maker (often hidden under the mat).
Daguerreotype sizes
Daguerreotypes are sold by "plate size" — a system of fractions of the original whole-plate camera format.
| Format | Inches | Millimeters | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole plate | 6½ × 8½ in | 165 × 216 mm | Rare; mostly studio formal portraits. |
| Half plate | 4¼ × 5½ in | 108 × 140 mm | Uncommon; usually couples or small groups. |
| Quarter plate | 3¼ × 4¼ in | 83 × 108 mm | Common for higher-end portraits. |
| Sixth plate | 2¾ × 3¼ in | 70 × 83 mm | By far the most common size — the default. |
| Ninth plate | 2 × 2½ in | 51 × 64 mm | Often in small leather cases or lockets. |
| Sixteenth plate | 1⅜ × 1⅝ in | 35 × 41 mm | Tiny — sometimes set into jewelry. |
Common questions
What is a daguerreotype?
A daguerreotype is the earliest commercially successful form of photography, invented by Louis Daguerre and announced in 1839. The image sits on the highly polished silver surface of a copper plate, sealed behind glass. Each daguerreotype is unique — there is no negative, so every plate is a one-of-a-kind original.
How do I tell a daguerreotype from a tintype or ambrotype?
A daguerreotype shows a mirror-like reflection — tilt it and the image flips between a positive picture and a mirror surface. Tintypes are dark, non-reflective, and magnetic. Ambrotypes (on glass) look similar to daguerreotypes face-on but never show the mirror-flip effect and are non-magnetic.
How much are daguerreotypes worth?
Sixth-plate cased portraits in average condition typically run $75–$250. Half- and whole-plate examples, outdoor and occupational scenes, identified sitters, fine cases, and exceptional image quality push values into the thousands. Severely tarnished plates with significant image loss are much less valuable.
Can a tarnished daguerreotype be cleaned?
Professionally yes, but it should never be attempted at home. The silver image is microscopically thin and household cleaners or polishing cloths will destroy it instantly. Conservation cleaning uses controlled electrochemical baths and is handled by specialist photographic conservators.
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