The gold that was applied when he was taken circa 1852 has bled, leaving those strange artifacts on his resealed sixth plate. The serious character must have decided ahead of his arrival to the daguerreian?s operating room, how he wished to be taken. I can?t imagine any daguerreian suggesting such a strange pose, unless the fellow was a fine hat maker. It certainly appears to have been brand new! The likeness has aged very well with oxidation flowing inside the brass mat. The overall quality was excellent. There is a nearly invisible dimple near the guy?s left temple in his hair. The leather case is whole.