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Ambrotype and Gold Frame, Robert H. Vance, SS Central America Treasure [160938]

Currency:USD Category:Artifacts / Shipwreck Artifacts Start Price:100.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 500.00 USD
Ambrotype and Gold Frame, Robert H. Vance, SS Central America Treasure [160938]
SOLD
180.00USD+ (36.00) buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2023 Mar 04 @ 18:24UTC-8 : PST/AKDT
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Unidentified ambrotype in conserved glass plates, 3.25x2 5/8". Conserved frame, 2.5x3.25", is possibly gold plate with 1.5x2" corner trim piece. Frame marked RH Vance/San Francisco//Cutting's Pat. Conserved by Paul Messier in modern frame and glass. Robert H. Vance was one of the leading California Gold Rush photographers, working his way through many Gold Rush camps in the early 1850s. Palmquist notes that "he was one of the first to perceive and capitalize on the American public's enormous appetite for realistic depictions of the lands of the Pacific West." In 1851, he exhibited in New York City more than three hundred views of the nation's newest state. Before working in California, he operated in Chile, Peru, Panama, and Mexico. Vance also spent time in Virginia City and Carson City, Nevada from 1862-65, during the Mark Twain era. Vance also employed and trained another famous Western photographer, Carleton Watkins, and had him take over one of his branch offices in 1854. Two of Vance's daguerreotypes were used on the famous Britton & Rey Vigilance Committee lettersheet in 1856. Cutting's patents are listed in American Photographic Patents: The Daguerreotype & Wet Plate Era 1840 - 1880, by Janice G. Schimmelman: 1) No. 11,213; Improvement in the preparation of collodion for photographic pictures; James A. Cutting; Boston, MA; July 4, 1854. 2) No. 11,266; Improvement in compositions for making photographic pictures; James A. Cutting; Boston, MA; July 11, 1854. 3) No. 11,267; Improvement in photographic pictures on glass; James A. Cutting; Boston, MA: July 11, 1854.

Provenance: SS Central America Collection