This an intriguing and strange American 6th plate Daguerreotype ( 3 1/4 x 2 3/4 inches or 8x7cm) in a full case.

The image has been re-sealed with Filmoplast P90 mending tape and has a thick, heavy, 5mm cover glass. The image itself, is very curious and charismatic. A student or young scholarly type of gentleman, is seated in a studio next to a table with a huge book just visible on the posing table. His expression is of a haughty, dignified, and well to do young dandy, dressed in all his finery. He is sued to being 'the boss' and evinces an arrogant superiority, which is evident from his expression and demeanour. His hair has been immaculately coiffured for this likeness, neatly parted and oiled with 'kiss' curls to the side.  He sports a striped 1840's waistcoat a tiny collar, and tucked-in cravat. Interestingly though, his fingernails are black and dirty.  His frock coat has wide M notch lapels. His pants are checkered and the eye is drawn to two huge hanging tassels above him. The drapery or curtain in this studio was used as a pictorial framing device, and creeps into view on the left hand side of this image. The curtains are of a heavy brocade with thinner hanging tassels forming a fringe. This was an elaborate studio set up, and I wonder if anyone can identify the studio from all these clues? I had the image looked at by an eminent collector and world renowned Daguerreotype historian, he advised me that the image is from 1846 - no later.