Quarter-plate, 1850s ambrotype of a handsome man, taken by the noted southern photographer GEORGE SMITH COOK, of Charleston, SC, whose studio imprint is embossed on the velvet pad. Clear glass ambrotype behind heavy original mat with a piece of dark velvet in the case behind. The cover glass is convex, like bubble glass. Condition: Ambrotype is in very good antique condition overall.. some irregularities and spots are visible on the surface when viewed at an angle, but basically disappear when the image is viewed straight on / normally. The embossed leather case is in damaged condition; the covers are separated and the left side is missing one rail. The velvet pad is loose but can be easily glued.