Adorible Doll image!

[Sewing Heap]

"D08-165. HER CHINA FRIEND! Illuminated evenly from slightly above her, this petite child sat in a small chair and was given a broom to hold. Her cherished inanimate friend sat propped up on the floor next to her. Upon opening the mint thermoplastic case with a lovely raised image of the Calmady Children, #129 in Krainik, on the cover, an astute collector studied the remarkable expertly tinted archivally taped sixth plate and commented, "Dennis, the doll is more animated than the girl"! I laughed at first then I realized he was correct and for that reason, I adore her. Her bright blue eyes were keenly focused on the operator while he uncapped his lens. She was both mesmerized and quizzical about the ordeal, and completely oblivious to everything else. The little gal's inner emotional self was fully revealed and placed forever on a finely polished silver mirror. Rarely does a daguerreotype have certain qualities that I find difficult to explain. This is one of them. While my reproduction accurately permits you to admire the subjects, holding the package in your own hands propels the piece into another realm of appreciation. Beautiful patina defines the borders of the little girl's space. There are faint mat marks in places. $5,500 "

http://www.finedags.com/archives/salon_archive/D08-165.htm

[vmescher]

This is Virginia's spouse posting.

Very nice image.  This is a guess but the doll probably belongs to the girl in the picture since the doll shows some chips to the glaze on the head  and at least her left arm (I know, it's really her right because the image is reversed but it's the "left" in the image) is leather.  Leather arms were sometimes used if all you purchased was the china head but leather replacements were sometimes used if the original arm was shattered.  If the doll were the photographer's prop, she would probably be in a lot better condition.  I can't explain why the right arm is moving unless it had been propped up and had slipped loose just as the process began.

The beads around her neck, from their size and the dark color, may be coral.  Coral was believed at one time to protect children.  If you look at paintings of young children from the 1700's and 1800's, they will frequently have coral necklaces.  However, concerning its efficacy, Colonial Williamsburg has a painting of three children, each wearing at least one string of coral beads.  The painting was done posthumously for all three children.

But worth $5,500?  For about half that amount, there was a wax doll up on ebay from the late 1840's or early 1850's with a photograph of her original mistress holding her and some other provenance thrown in as well.  I hope the owner likes the image because I expect he's going to be keeping it.

Michael Mescher

[Cassandra]

That is the sweetest image I have ever seen! It's so clear too! I know most of you are oo-ing and ah-ing over the facial expressions, dress and doll which are precious indeed, this is an excellent, clear picture of the drawers, shoes and stocking as well. 
I love her hair.
Beautiful, beautiful!

[Sewing Heap]

ah. And the little broom! Too cute.  I hope everyone realizes that Im showing a great deal of self restraint from posting all of the pictures I want to!   

[Cassandra]

Who is holding you back? 

[Brooke Whitaker]

Oh my she is so cute!!!!!!!!!! 

[Michelle Whitaker]

That is such a sweet photo. Her hair looks so soft and smooth. Very interesting sleeves.
Thanks so much for posting it.
Does anybody have the main page sight for the fine dags?

[Brooke Whitaker]

Does anybody have the main page sight for the fine dags?

http://www.finedags.com/