The woman’s flesh tones were rendered very well but her companion?s barely received much attention. Maybe the lady was paying for their resealed half plate dag kept in a separated leather case. Casey and I have examined the four hazy splotches in the backdrop (which are faintly seen in the original, which has unbelievable holographic depth) and we can’t honestly say why they are there. The other white marks aren’t problematic. Minor mat scrapes hugging the opening of the brass surround are shown here. Van Loan operated in Philadelphia at various locations in partnership with other operators from time to time. I estimate the couple were taken circa 1852-1854.