We provide expert daguerreotype restoration services honed over decades of experience. For more information see below or contact us.
Purposes for Daguerreotype Restoration
To better view the images because they are meant to be seen.
Roughly 80% of all daguerreotypes have had their original seals broken. Those images have been resealed with paper tape, or left unsealed. Many times the glass was changed. Underneath that glass about 95% of the time is a layer of hazy film that both diminishes the contrast and softens the appearance of the image. Often, it can’t be seen until the old piece of glass has been removed. If moisture is also present, very detrimental problems can occur on the actual silvered surface.
Most importantly, to preserve daguerreotypes for the future to enjoy them as we do today.
To better understand our terminology, please read Condition of Daguerreotypes.
One other issue that needs to be discussed is out gassing. Both my dad and I have seen various types of haze and sometimes even white dots appear on the under side of glass in as little time as six months after new glass was added and the package was taped with Filmoplast P-90. We have discussed this phenomenon with other archivists. None of us have conclusively decided or perfectly understand the problem. However, we have noticed that out gassing does not appear on all dags, but more commonly on those that have been improperly cleaned. It can occur on images with paper seals, no seals and archival seals.
Restoration Pricing
| Plate Size | Price |
| Whole (Approx. 6 1/2″ x 8 1/2″) | $450 |
| Half (Approx. 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″) | $250 |
| Quarter (Approx. 3 1/4″ x 4 1/4″) | $150 |
| Sixth (Approx. 2 3/4″ x 3 1/4″) | $100 |
| Ninth (Approx. 2″ x 2 1/2″) | $100 |
| Sixteenth (Approx. 1 3/8″ x 1 5/8″) | $100 |
| Approximate Return Shipping with a Certified Receipt | |
| One or Two daguerreotypes | $10.25 |
| Three to Five daguerreotypes | $17 |
| Six to Ten daguerreotypes | $22.20 |
Before and After Archival Restoration
Before and after scans of your images (in jpeg format) are available at the cost of $15 per pair. Please let us know with the shipment of your daguerreotype(s).
Case Repair
| Case Repair | Price |
| Pad Re-glue | $5 Ea. |
| Rail | $10 Ea. |
| Corners | $5 Ea. |
| Entire Case w/ Spine | Contact for Quote |
| Entire Case | Contact for Quote |
| Covers | $5 – $20 |
| Spine Repair | Price |
| Whole & Special Cuts | $300 |
| Half | $225 |
| Quarter | $175 |
| Sixth | $100 |
| Ninth | $75 |
| Sixteenth | $75 |
| Approximate Return Shipping | Cost |
| One or Two leather cases | $8 |
| Three to Five leather cases | $12 |
| Six to Ten leather cases | $16 |
Please carefully pack your daguerreotypes with sufficient bubble wrap or other shock absorbing materials before placing them in a box. The postal service provides Priority Mail boxes at no cost. Tracking slips are extra, but well worth the minimal investment.
