The latest addition to my dag collection is this wonderful 6th plate of a young couple holding hands for the camera. Although damaged, this clearly illustrates how easily a daguerreotype can be damaged by simply running your finger over the surface, perhaps to remove dust or tarnish. The plate is stamped with the "H.P. (standing eagle) 40" hallmark, which I believe could be french (?). Someone has cleaned the plate in the past, so I did not. After photographing the plate, I cleaned the glass and resealed it.
UPDATE 17/12/18: I have since learned that this daguerreotype is of Charles Coolidge (1831-1898) and Susan Sarepta (Ellison) (1833-1917) Johnson of Healdville, VT. They were married in 1853 and had at least 4 children. Charles was involved in the Indian Wars and the Civil War.
Photo from Jay Janell at https://images.findagrave.com/photos/2017/77/112007334_1489940359.jpg
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