Half plate ambrotype behind heavy mat and cover glass in full leather case. 1850s. Almost certainly a prominent businessman or political figure in the Bay Area, and possibly someone more notable?
Mat is stamped Shew, bottom-left corner. Ambro is in good or better antique condition. When I had it out of the case I did see a crack through the image in the bottom-right corner, although it is completely hidden by the mat when viewing and the image is completely stable with no movement of the pieces when it’s in its case. Case is worn with separated covers; a couple of the rails are weak.
Boxed shipping
7953B