STEELY GRAY! I have owned several other outstanding sixth plate daguerreotypes that had a similar overall appearance. Unfortunately, I don?t know the operator who was responsible for this brilliant vignetted style. The sharpness he attained in this restored example was superlative. The contrast and deep depth were equally impressive. Yet wasn?t it the man who ultimately won the day so to speak. He was clean shaven, had a solid face, lips sealed together and buoyant blue sparkling eyes. He clipped his hair short but still had hat head wings! When his fine complete leather case is opened the next owner will be amazed by the power and clarity of the fellow?s fine portrait! One pit is seen in the surface that also has patina mostly on the dark oval.