Sixth Plate

THE WOMAN WAS SMILING. Mr. Myers, whose name was boldly stamped in the lower right corner of their scallop shaped brass mat, seated a very proud grandmother on a small chair. Someone else handed over the charming little girl, her granddaughter no doubt, and this delightful sixth plate portrait was produced. Written in ink on later lined paper was this notation: ?Eli Merrill?s grandmother Stait and his oldest sister Rebecca?. Heavy buff stokes are visible. The pink color added to Rebecca?s dress definitely brightened up their daguerreotype that has bands of patina flowing around them. A few mold spiders dot the surface. The black dot on the right is a mystery. They are in a full leather case that had the impression of a maiden gathering roses on both sides. The likeness has a new archival seal.