THE FOCUS . . . Was sharp and the contrast worked nicely to define the gentleman who must have anticipated how well his archivally restored sixth plate would be produced by a very professional operator. The subject?s blue eyes sparkled and he was smiling while the lens was uncapped. Was that a hair shirt he wore, or one of the lowest beards east of the Mississippi ever seen on a man of his stature? Since the depth of field was shallow and the patina spotted and hazy the guy had a rather mystical appearance. The oval brass mat shape permitted the entire height of his brushed beaver top hat to be presented to all of us when his worn, complete leather case is opened. There is a water spot on his hat and thin mat marks in a couple places. Teeny black dots are visible too from the original process. Tinting was added to his cheeks.
