[MILITARIA - EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY]. Quarter plate daguerreotype of USN Assistant Surgeon George Hocker Howell (d. 1859). Ca 1847-1854.
Sale 1250 - American Historical Ephemera & Photography
Nov 30, 2023
10:00AM ET
Live / Cincinnati
Estimate
$900 -
$1,200
Sold for $1,386
Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium
Lot Description
[MILITARIA - EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY]. Quarter plate daguerreotype of USN Assistant Surgeon George Hocker Howell (d. 1859). Ca 1847-1854.
Quarter plate daguerreotype portrait of a grinning naval officer holding a walking stick, his insignia, vest, and coat buttons highlighted in gold. (Strong clarity and contrast, light tarnish to edges, resealed.) With period inked note glued to the right side of the cover glass, with much of the inscription indiscernible. It appears to partially identify the subject as "Hocker Howell," with information about his family. Housed in half leatherette case (surface loss and significant wear to edges, including partial separation along bottom edge). Accompanied by a 4pp. letter signed "George," presumably George Hocker Howell, to his mother. Philadelphia, PA, 2 October 1859. He writes about personal matters, including his health, family members, and land dealings (some sections fully separated at folds).
George Hocker Howell's naval career lasted approximately 12 years. The Navy List shows him as Assistant Surgeon 8/11/1847, Passed Assistant Surgeon 4/22/1854, died in service (cause unknown) 10/7/1859. His shoulder straps (1852 Regulations) indicate the rank of Assistant Surgeon, dating the image to the 1847-1854 period.
George Hocker Howell's naval career lasted approximately 12 years. The Navy List shows him as Assistant Surgeon 8/11/1847, Passed Assistant Surgeon 4/22/1854, died in service (cause unknown) 10/7/1859. His shoulder straps (1852 Regulations) indicate the rank of Assistant Surgeon, dating the image to the 1847-1854 period.
Early Photography Collection of Jules Martino, Silverton, Oregon
Condition Report
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to
age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and
restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition
they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make
no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind
as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue
description or a condition report shall not amount to a full
accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Hindman
staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the
Department prior to bidding.
The absence of a posted condition report on the Hindman website or
in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an
item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for
inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect
the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have
requested, received and understood any condition report provided
by Hindman.
Please email historicalephemera@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.