Newly discovered 1/4 daguerreotype of the American lawyer and politician Severn Teackle Wallis (September 8, 1816 – April 11, 1894). I believe this dag was make in 1841-1842 - Wallis was a young lawyer living in Baltimore at that time. Period note included - looks like he might have signed the back in pencil, and somebody came along later with a pen and wrote "Sept 18 03" over a date which I suspect likely originally read "Sept 18, 42" (possibly 41).
Partial bio from Wikipedia:
Severn Teackle Wallis graduated from the secular St. Mary's College in northwest inner Baltimore in 1832, and later studied law with William Wirt, attorney general, and with noted lawyer John Glenn. In 1837, Wallis was admitted to the bar.
Wallis early developed a taste for literature and contributed to periodicals many articles of literary and historical criticism, also occasional verses. He became a proficient in Spanish literature and history and was elected a corresponding member of the Royal Academy of history of Madrid in 1843. He may have been an acquaintance of the budding poet and author Edgar Allan Poe, (1808-1849), along with his friend, the author and political figure John Pendleton Kennedy.
Condition Notes
Dag is in a full leather case, lightly worn with separated covers. I have never taken it out of its case, so please assume it is no longer sealed. Plate looks VG overall with a tarnish ring and no obvious damage, however from at certain sharp angles there is a light diagonal line through the image, possibly a scratch but I'm not positive.. I don't see it looking at the image straight on.
Carefully packed, shipped quickly. Please ask before purchasing if you have any questions! Happy to take more pics. I also plan on making a scan shortly and adding it to this listing.
7646A