Qty TWO Gurney 1/2 Plate Daguerreotypes , Man and Woman in each, Shared Case

Description

"To make the image, a daguerreotypist would polish a sheet of silver-plated copper to a mirror finish, treat it with fumes that made its surface light sensitive, expose it in a camera for as long as was judged to be necessary, which could be as little as a few seconds for brightly sunlit subjects or much longer with less intense lighting; make the resulting latent image on it visible by fuming it with mercury vapor; remove its sensitivity to light by liquid chemical treatment, rinse and dry it, then seal the easily marred result behind glass in a protective enclosure.
The image is on a mirror-like silver surface, normally kept under glass, and will appear either positive or negative, depending on the angle at which it is viewed, how it is lit and whether a light or dark background is being reflected in the metal. The darkest areas of the image are simply bare silver; lighter areas have a microscopically fine light-scattering texture. The surface is very delicate, and even the lightest wiping can permanently scuff it. Some tarnish around the edges is normal."
Wonderful portraits, 2 x 1/2 Gurney plates in a shared case
Resealed with new glass that was on them already, purchased with no seals but new pieces of glass were there
as well as some cardboard backing-same general size of the plate- and a masking tape looking product that was in the back of the case.
The way the images are / were tarnished it looks as if they were behind some broken glass perhaps.
There is no scratching or wipes, the younger couple plate is exquisite.
The older couple plate is irregular cut and sized and there is a small mat mark on the far far right side.
Otherwise, superb plates by one of the finest studios of the era.
Thanks for looking.
All offers appreciated and returns accepted if you do not like this one.
Shipping usually the same or the next business day via USPS priority.