Posted 7 years ago
aroc
(12 items)
Recently found quarter plate dag of couple by J.D. Wells, Northampton, MA. Curious if anyone has any information about the photographer as I can't find much on the web. Welcome any comments or info. Thanks!
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Nice looking couple! Woman's hair-do is not at all flattering--well, neither is his. But they look contented and well dressed. The case is really nice!
The brass mat is actually J. D. Wells (not "E"). The photographer is Jeremiah D. Wells of Northampton, Mass. He was known as a daguerreotype artist from about 1850 to 1860. Jeremiah opened several other photographic rooms and there are references to him in Northampton until approximately 1870. Past the early 185os, Wells probably made transitioned his work to wet plate images (i.e. ambrotypes).
Full listing on him from Craig's Daguerrian Registry:
"Listed as a daguerreian in Northampton, Mass., 1850-1860. An advertisement for the gallery in 1850 established him there at that time. In 1852 he opened additional rooms at Wilkes-Barre, Pa., with Q.P. Knight in charge. In 1853 he opened another branch in Brattleboro, Ver., in partnership with Lovell (J.). In 1856, in Northampton, he was listed in partnership as Wells and Kneeland. The partnership was also listed in 1860. Stamped on the brass mat of a quarter-plate daguerreotype, "J.D. Wells, Northampton, Mas.". He was listed in Northampton until approximately 1870."
Here is a link-- it is a great resource:
http://craigcamera.com/dag/
You seem to have a good handle on antique images with your size reference. IF you are not aware-- dags need to be handled with CARE. Your image appears to be unsealed and without cover glass. ANY touches on the plate will cause damage. Additionally, the loose matting will cause little scratches as it moves (even slightly) over the plate.
Recommend you get a cover glass and get it sealed soon.
scott
Thanks all. Yes, got a few others from him in collection, including one ambrotype.
Thanks for the advise and link, Scott.
I had opened it to clean the very dirty glass and it is covered again with glass, but not resealed yet.
Glad to help out-- post the other images when you have a chance.
And of course welcome to CW!
scott
Scott or anyone else,
Can you recommend tape for resealing.
Thanks!