Fine Whole Plate Daguerreotype of a Gentleman by William Shew, San Francisco

Whole plate daguerreotype of a gentleman with arms crossed. Brass mat is stamped "WM SHEW / SAN FRANCISCO." William Shew (1820-1903) arrived in San Francisco in 1850, after working under Plumbe and others in Boston. He worked out of a cart for the first year or two before establishing a studio on Clay Street, but shortly after moved to a Montgomery Street address where he remained for almost 50 years as one of the most prominent photographers in the city. Condition: Resealed in 2008 (noted on new seal). Pressed paper case has become unattached at the spine. $1,000 - $1,500