Tag Archives: Daguerreotypist

Bendann, Daniel

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , , , , , ,

Ca.1853-1854 77 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

1855                Address Unknown, Baltimore, Maryland.

1856-1857       110 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

1858                145 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

1859                205 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland.

1854 June 13.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  June 13, 1854, Vol. IV, No. 199, P. 2.

Daguerreotyping.—Mr. Daniel Bendann, an operator at Whitehurst’s Daguerrean Gallery in this city, has shown us some very beautiful specimens of his art, in some views, taken by himself, of the handsome residence of Mr. Stewart, on Brook Avenue.  The beautiful Mansion, embowered in a grove; the family group gathered upon the porch; the horses and carriage seen, at a little distance, in the shade of the trees, all are the very counterpart of life.  Mr. Bendann deserves great credit for this work.  He is a young artist, who has been for several years associated with the accomplished Mr. Metcalf, the principal operator in Whitehurst’s gallery.  He bids fair to be an ornament to his profession.

1856 March 31.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  March 31, 1856, Vol. IX, No. 73, P. 2.

A Card.—The subscriber for the last three years connected with the establishment of Mr. J. H. Whitehurst in this city, and lately at Baltimore, begs leave to inform his friends and the public generally, that he has taken the commodious and well arranged rooms No. 110 Main street, next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s jewelry store, and fitted them up thoroughly, in a neat and elegant manner, for the purpose of conducting the Ambrotype, Photograph and Daguerreotype Business, with all their latest improvements; and hopes that by strict attention to business, and by the production of good pictures, to merit a liberal share of the public patronage.

Respectfully, Daniel Bendann.

A nice front room, suitable for a single gentleman, for rent, low.  Inquire at the Gallery.

Advertisement ran from March 31 to April 1, 1856.

1856 April 5.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  April 5, 1856, Vol. IX, No. 78, P. 2.

Notice.—I have just received a lot of Fancy Cases for Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, and would invite those wishing Pictures to give me a call, as I have no doubt of being able to please.

D. Bendann’s Photographic Gallery, 110 Main st., next door to Mitchell & Tylers.

A front room over the gallery for rent.                                                                      

Advertisement ran from April 5 to 8, 1856.

1856 April 15.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  April 15, 1856, Vol. IX, No. 86, P. 2.

To get an easy and graceful position, either in an Ambrotype, Photograph, or Daguerreotype, go to D. Bendann‘s Gallery, who has the most happy faculty of getting that pleasant expression so desirable in a Picture; and as his prices are reasonable, he would request those wishing a counterpart of themselves to give him a call.

Gallery 110 Main street, next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s Jewelry store.

Advertisement ran April 15 & 16, 1856.

1856 April 17.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  April 17, 1856, Vol. IX, No. 88, P. 2.

To get an easy and graceful position, either in an Ambrotype, Photograph, or Daguerreotype, go to D. Bendann‘s Gallery, who has the most happy faculty of getting that pleasant expression so desirable in a Picture; and as his prices are reasonable, he would request those wishing a counterpart of themselves to give him a call.

Gallery 110 Main street, next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s Jewelry store.

1856 June 1.  Photographic and fine Arts Journal.  (New York, New York.)  June 1, 1856, Vol. IX, No. 6, P. 217.

In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number Three, Richmond. The author visited 7 Galleries in Richmond.

Sic. Bendon. — Photographs seem to be this artist’s forte; he was the first to introduce them to any extent in this city. I believe he has done a brisk business, since he commenced, a few months ago, which is calculated to keep up one’s spirit, but with this artist it has had a contrary effect, for right in the midst of his business he took the Blues (a military company), and has not got entirely rid of them yet, although he has been taking golden pills from them daily. His large photographs of Gov. Wise and Wm. P. Ritchie, are fine specimens of the art. His ambrotypes are not so numerous nor so good as his paper pictures. If he would take a few lessons from some first-rate

ambrotypist, he could excel in that, as he now does, in all the other branches of the art.

1856 June 6.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  June 6, 1856, Vol. IX, No. 131, P. 2.

Richmond L. I. Blues.—I take pleasure in informing those ladies who have been desirous of seeing the Photographic Likenesses of the Richmond L. I. Blues, (active and honorary members,) that they are now ready and on exhibition at my Gallery, where they and the public are most cordially invited to call and see them.  The set consists of one Hundred and Twenty-Five Pictures.

Dan’l Bendann, 110 Main st., Next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s Jewelry Store.

Advertisement ran from June 6 to 11, 1856.

1856 June 13.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  June 13, 1856, Vol. IX, No. 136, P. 2.

Some persons seem to be laboring under the mistake, that because the better class of our community patronize Bendann’s Photographic Gallery, his prices are higher than other establishments.  He would inform the public that ladies and gentlemen will go to his Gallery, not only to Get Pictures cheaper than anywhere else, but also because they are not persuaded to take a Picture unless it pleases.

Dan’l Bendann, 110 Main st., Next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s Jewelry Store.

Advertisement ran from June 12 to 14, 1856.

1856 June 16.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  June 16, 1856, Vol. IX, No. 139, P. 2.

It is to be regretted that so little attention is paid by the soi dissant Artist of the present day, to the prose and expressions of their subjects.  Bendann seems to be endowed with the rare faculty of getting that ease of position and naturalness of expression, so desirable, but seldom attained, in pictures, Photographs, Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes in their perfection, upon the most accommodating terms at Dan’l Bendann, 110 Main st., Next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s Jewelry Store.                                                                                                             

Advertisement ran from June 16 to 19, 1856.

1856 July 2.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  July 2, 1856, Vol. X, No. 2, P. 2.

The Photograph, multiplied an infinitum; the Ambrotype, visible on both sides of the plate, and the brilliant Daguerreotype—all can be gotten, finished in the most elaborate manner, at Bendann’s Photographic Gallery, and that, too, upon the most reasonable terms.  Call and examine specimens.  110 Main st., Next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s.    

For Rent—Two most desirable front rooms over my Gallery, suitable for single gentlemen.

Dan’l Bendann.                                                                                                          

Advertisement ran from July 2 to 4, 1856.

1856 July 10.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  July 10, 1856, Vol. X, No. 9, P. 2.

Great inducement to those wishing Fine Pictures.—In consequence of the general dullness of business during the month of July, I will take Photographs, Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes, at greatly reduced prices.  The best of work made, and no picture sold unless it pleases.  I would only invite a call, having no doubt of being able to please the most fastidious.  Particular attention paid to children’s pictures.  Call early at D. Bendann’s 110 Main st., Next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s.                                                                                 

Advertisement ran from July 10 to 12, 1856.

1856 August 12.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  August 12, 1856, Vol. X, No. 37, P. 2.

Oh, dear, what a Picture, rare!

Exclaimed a maiden, pure and fair.

Where had you that Ambrotype made?

With such graduations of light and shade?

At Bendann’s Gallery, where I am sure

You as fine a one can procure;

And he’ll not charge you near as much

As some ignorant, pretending botch.

And if the first one you should not pleasing find,     

He’d soon make one more suited to your mind.

Bendann’s Photographic Gallery, 110 main street.                                                   

1856 September 4.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  September 4, 1856, Vol. X, No. 57, P. 2.

A good Picture consists not only in a mere likeness of a person, but it should also possess that person’s natural expression—not tortured into that unmeaning stare so observable in most Sun-Pictures.  The real artist will not brook a solitary position into which to force old and young, grave and gay, but diversified it so as to harmonise (sic.) with his subject.  To get an Ambrotype or Photograph, to reflect you naturally, we would advise you to try D. Bendann’s Photographic Gallery, 110 Main st., next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s.                                                 

Advertisement ran from September 4 to 6, 1856.

1856 October 13.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  October 13, 1856, Vol. X, No. 100, P. 2.

Something new, beautiful and meritorious—eclipsing anything yet attempted in the way of Pictures.  They gave a prominence of relief and softness of tint never before attained.  In them we also avoid the somber look heretofore so objectionable in Ambrotypes, and as the sitting is but a second, it is invaluable for children.  The subscriber has spared neither pains or expense to introduce this truly beautiful art in this city, and hopes that an appreciative public will give him their support.  He produces faultless portraits in all weather, and at all hours of the day.  D. Bendann, Gallery, 110 Main st., next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s.     

Advertisement ran October 13 & 14, 1856.

1856 October 28.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  October 28, 1856, Vol. X, No. 113, P. 2.

Bendann’s Photographic Gallery is the resort of those wishing the artistic and natural representations of themselves, not those stiff and wooden things called Pictures.  An easy and graceful position is as necessary to a good picture as a good fit for a garment; without it both are tasteless.  Photographs, Ambrotypes, Stereographs, and Daguerreotypes, taken in a style unsurpassed; and as his charges are so moderate as to put his work within the reach of all, he would solicit a call, at 110 main street, next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s.                     

Advertisement ran on October 28 & 29, 1856.

1856 November 11.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  November 11, 1856, Vol. X, No. 125, P. 1.

Awards Of The Mechanics’ Institute.  Made November 8, 1856 ….Class No. XLIII—Ambrotypes, Photographs, Daguerreotypes and Materials.

Ambrotypes, by Peter E. Gibbs, a silver medal.

Photographs, by J. H. Whitehurst, first class diploma.

Photographs, by D. Bendann, second class diploma.

1856 November 18.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  November 18, 1856, Vol. X, No. 131, P. 2.

Bendann’s Star Gallery of Photographs and Ambrotypes, continues to be the resort of those wishing tasty and faithful Portraits of themselves, friends, and children.  He produces faultless Portraits in all weathers, and at all hours of the day.  A call is cordially invited, to examine specimens, at 110 Main street, next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s Jewelry Store, where pictures are warranted to please, or no charge.   D. Bendann.                                       

Advertisement ran from November 18 to 20, 1856.

1856 December 23.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  December 23, 1856, Vol. X, No. 161, P. 2.

The most appropriate and desirable Christmas or New Year’ Gift, either to a parent, child or friend, is an enduring copy of yourself.  You must have a good one, however.  For such a one, go to Bendann’s Photographic Gallery, and get one of those Chrystal Miniatures, he is so justly famed for.  They are really gems of art.  Should you wish several, he will duplicate you into a half dozen Photographs at but little more cost than you would have to pay elsewhere for a single picture.  Gallery 110 Main street, next door above Mitchell & Tyler.                 

Advertisement ran from December 23 to 25, 1856.

1857 February 16.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  February 16, 1857, Vol. XI, No. 40, P. 2.

Something Novel and Piquant.—having greater facilities than ever, to make that beautiful style “of picture, the Photograph,” and being enabled to make an indefinite number of copies from a single sitting.  I will, if ladies and gentlemen form clubs, from ten to fifty of their friends, take their Portraits, and furnish each of them with an illustrated album of the whole, or place them into any style of Book or Album, at a small cost, there by enabling persons to have a gallery of their friends, and a valuable ornament at the same time.  Call and see specimens at Bendann’s Photographic Gallery, 110 main street, next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s.         

Advertisement ran from February 16 to 18, 1857.

1857 April 3.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  April 3, 1857, Vol. XI, No. 80, P. 2.

Free and interesting Exhibition.—Bendann has just returned from Washington with a fine Photograph of President Buchanan delivering his inaugural Address.  Also, Photographs from life of the following distinguished gentlemen:  Ex-President Pierce, Senators Butler and Toombs, General Cass and Quitman, Lieut. Maury of the National Observatory, Messrs. Orr of S. C., Faulkner and Letcher of Va., Geo. Peabody, Esq.; the late lamented Preston S. Brooks and Jno. M. Clayton; several committees of congress, and others.  The public are cordially invited to call and see them at Bendann’s Gallery of Photography, 110 Main st., next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s.                                                                                                                                   

Advertisement ran April 3 & 4, 1857.

1858 January 28.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  January 28, 1858, Vol. XIII, No. 24, P. 2.

Splendid Photograph Of The Monument And Equestrian Statue, taken by D. Bendann, at Sanxay & Co.’s. Photographic Rooms, where duplicates are exhibited and for sale.  145 Main street, sign of Gothic Window.                                                                                      

1859 November 2.  The Daily Exchange.  (Baltimore, Maryland.)  November 2, 1859, Vol. IV, No. 526, P.1.

Closing Of The Fair.  Yesterday evening the twelfth annual exhibition of works of industry and art at the Maryland Institute, closed in the presence of a large an assemblage as has been convened since its opening—the Blues’ band being present during the evening….Award of Premiums…Class No. 43.—

Bendann & Bros., for Retouched Photographs, Silver Medal.

F. W. & R. King, for Stereoscopic and View Cameras, Silver Medal.

Bell, John R.

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1857-1865       117 Hanover Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

1858.  Charlestown City Directory.  (Charlestown, Massachusetts.)  P. 43.

John R. Bell’s Daguerreotype, Ambrotype, and Photographic Rooms, No. 117 Hanover St., cor. Friend St., Boston. 

Copies from Paintings, Statuary, and everything appertaining to the art, executed in the best style, and at the lowest rates.

[1] Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900.

Beers, William A.

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , , , ,

1855                11 & 12 Street Building, New Haven, Connecticut.

1855-1859       144 Chapel Street, New Haven, Connecticut.

1855 June 4.  Morning Journal and Courier.  New Haven, Connecticut.)  June 4, 1855, Vol. X, P. 2.

Copartnership Notice.  The subscribers would notify their patrons and the public generally, that they have formed a Copartnership under the firm of Beers & Mansfield for the transaction of the Daguerrean business in all its branches.  Wm. A. Beers, Sereno Mansfield, “Union Daguerrean Gallery.”

Owing to the above arrangement, having united the rooms formerly occupied by Mr. Wm. A. Judson, in Elliot’s Building, with those of Wm. A. Beers, Street’s Building, and having thoroughly refitted and improved the interior of both Galleries, we are prepared to execute Pictures of any and all styles at either establishments, in the most artistic manner, and with all the modern improvements of the profession.  Our splendid collection of specimen pictures on exhibition are well worthy the attention of those who are (or may be) in want of a likeness, either for themselves or their friends, as we warrant all our own work to be unsurpassed by any Operator in the trade.  Our instruments are of the best manufacture now in use, and our stock of the most superior quality, therefore, we flatter ourselves that with this superiority, together our double advantage of a side and sky light, we can please all our patrons in all respects, as at no other Gallery in the State are the same conveniences secured.  Likenesses of infants and Children taken in a few seconds, and warranted perfect to life.  A liberal discount made to families or groups.  Our arrangements for taking sick or deceased persons is second to none.  We also take views of Churches and all other Buildings, either in or out of town, at short notice and on reasonable terms. 

Tendering our thanks to patrons for past favors, we hope by strict attention and “superior work” to merit a continuance of the same.

Instruction given in the Art.

Hours of Operating from 7 A. M. to 7 P. M.

Prices of Pictures, from 50 cents to $30.  Beers & Mansfield, Practical Daguerrean Artists, Union Gallery, No. 144 Eliot’s Building, and 11 & 12 Street Building.

Advertisement ran from June 4 to 7, 1855.

1855 November 24.  Morning Journal and Courier.  New Haven, Connecticut.)  November 24, 1855, Vol. X, P. 2.

Photographic Portraits On Glass.  The Proprietors of the Union Daguerrean Establishment would respectfully call the attention of the public to this entirely new process for taking the most  beautiful pictures on glass.  By the Photographic method, a likeness is obtained far superior to any produced by either the Ambrotype, The Photographic, or the Daguerrean.  Muck less time being required in the process than by those methods, the Photogenic is peculiarly adapted for taking of children and family groups, a true and life-like expression being thereby much more readily obtained.  Having received instructions of a superior artist and skillful operator of New York city, and having fitted up our rooms expressly for this purpose, we would respectfully request any to favor us with a call who may wish for a First-Rate Portrait on glass, or by the Daguerrean process.

N. B.—Pictures copied, and old Daguerreotypes removed and replaced by the Photogenic.

Prices made satisfactory.

Photogenic and Daguerrean Gallery, 142 Chapel st. Elliot’s Building.  Beers & Mansfield, Artist.

Advertisement ran from November 24 to 29, 1855.

1855 December 3.  Morning Journal and Courier.  New Haven, Connecticut.)  December 3, 1855, Vol. X, P. 2.

What A Perfect Resemblance!  How beautiful it is taken!  Are the remarks that are made daily  by crowds of Ladies and Gentlemen, who visit our Gallery, and take away with them one of our specimens of the Daguerrean or Photogenic art.  Pictures on glass executed by us are pronounced by competent judges far superior to any other process, for taking a correct likeness, ever offered to the public.

Prices in all cases made satisfactory.

N. B.—All pictures warranted not to fade or corrode in the least.  Children and groups taken extraordinary.  Call soon at Beers & Mansfield’s Photogenic and Daguerrean Gallery, Elliot’s Building 144 Chapel st.

Advertisement ran from December 3 to 10, 1855.

1855 December 11.  Morning Journal and Courier.  New Haven, Connecticut.)  December 11,

1855, Vol. X, P. 2.

Those Pictures on Glass That are on exhibition, and are daily taken, at the Union Gallery, seemed to please all who have examined and procured one.  The brilliant tone and life-like appearance cannot be surpassed.  By the way Daguerreotypes executed by us are pronounced by good judges to be as good, if not a little better, than pictures which are generally taken.  We Invite all to give us a call, and examine our specimen, as we should be happy to exhibit them.

Read this.  Our prices are cheaper than at any other establishment in the city, and our Cases, Frames and Lockets superior in finish and durability.

N. B.—Children taken life-like and cheap.

Remember the place, Beers & Mansfield’s Photogenic and Daguerrean Gallery, 144 Chapel st. Room 5 and 7 Elliot’s Building.

Advertisement ran from December 11 to 15, 1855.

1855 December 18.  Morning Journal and Courier.  New Haven, Connecticut.)  December 18, 1855, Vol. X, P. 3.

Beauty Restored!  The Greatest Praise Awarded To Beers & Mansfield.  For their superior pictures on Glass.  Also, for their highly finished Daguerreotypes, which are daily taken in large numbers at their Gallery,  We would most respectfully remind the Ladies and Gentlemen of New Haven, and all who intend to procure a Likeness for the Holidays, that we have made ample arrangements for the accommodation of all who may see fit to favor us with their patronage.  We have a good assortment of Cases, Frames, &c. all of which we have marked much below the usual prices.  Our $1.00 Pictures will be sold at 75 cents, and others in proportion—until after the Holidays.

Remember the place,  Beers and Mansfield’s Photogenic and Daguerrean Gallery, 144 Chapel st. Rooms 5 and 7 Elliot’s Building.

Advertisement ran from December 18 to 20, 1855.

1855 December 24.  Morning Journal and Courier.  New Haven, Connecticut.)  December 24, 1855, Vol. X, P. 3.

Unfading Gifts.  Something Splendid For Holiday Presents.  What can be more suitable for a token of affection and esteem, or for a Holliday Present, than one of those life-like and unfading Glass or Daguerreotype portraits executed by Beers & Mansfield.  Ladies and Gentlemen, we would respectfully remind you, that in making our selection of Cases, Frames, &c. we have not forgot to secure a good assortment, (many of them new patterns, never before offered to the public,) all of which are now ready, and on exhibition at our Gallery, for you to select from.  We have reduced our prices very low, and shall do our best to please all In Cases, Picture and Price.  $1 Pictures are reduced to 75 cents.  All others in proportion.

We will close by wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  Our Rooms will be open all day Christmas and New Years.  Please remember the number, and give us a call.  Beers & Mansfield, Artists, Rooms 5,6 and 7 Elliot’s Building, 144 Chapel st.

Advertisement ran from December 24 to 31, 1855.

1859 January 1.  Columbian Register.  (New Haven, Connecticut.)  January 1, 1859, Vol. XLVII, No. 2406, P. 3.

Christmas and New Year’s.  Grand Attraction.  Something very appropriate for Holiday Presents!  Imperishable Gifts.  Beers Mansfield’s, at 144 Chapel st., Is The Place.  We wish to call the particular attention to our patrons and all seekers of something beautiful, durable and truly appropriate for a holiday present, to our splendid assortment of Cases, Frames, etc., many of them entirely new patterns, purchased especially for this occasion.  It is our intention to insert in them any style of Photograph, Ambrotype, or Daguerreotype (including the hermetically sealed

Beers, C. C.

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1847                Room over E. & T. G. Birdseye’s Store, Birmingham (Derby), Connecticut.

1847 October 14.  The Derby Journal.  (Birmingham,(Derby) Connecticut.)  October 14, 1847, Vol. I, No. 42, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes.  C. C. Beers Respectfully informs the inhabitants of Birmingham and its vicinity, that an opportunity is now offered for obtaining a true and perfect Likeness, by calling at his room. Over E. & T. G. Birdseye’s store.  Call soon, as his stay is limited to a few days.

Surprising art! by which we lend

Our countenance to absent friend,

Or leave a token for the bower,

Where love laments the parting hour;

By which the child who absent hies

Gladdens the parent’s longing eyes;

Our parents, as the child doth roam,

Cheers him with memories of home.  Sept. 30.

Beckers, Alexander

Daguerreotypes, Stereoviews, , , , ,

1845-1850       201 Broadway, New York, New York.

1852                201 Broadway, New York, New York.

1855-1856       264 Broadway, New York, New York.

18571861        411 Broadway, New York, New York.

1845 April 7.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  April 7, 1845, Vol. XI, No. 96, Whole No. 4058, P. 3.

Voigtaender’s Daguerreotype Apparatus.  Arrangements recently made with their brother-in-law, Mr. Voigtlaender, Vienna, enable the subscribers to sell those Apparatus at reduced prices, viz:–

Largest size Apparatus, with three inch lenses for full size plates, at $145.

Medium size Apparatus, with two inch lenses for half size plates, at $78.

Small size Apparatus, with one-and-a-half inch lens for quarter size plates, at $50.

Gentlemen sending remittances in accordance with the above prices, may depend upon receiving the genuine Voigtlaender Apparatus, and not a worthless imitation article, they having procured the sole agency for the United States.

Plates and Chemicals, of their own importation, as well as all other articles connected with their art, for sale at lowest market price.  Philadelphia Exchange.  W. A. F. Langenheim.

Referring to the above advertisement, the subscribers inform the Daguerrean Artists in general that the above Apparatus and other materials can be procured to the stated prices, at their Daguerrean Atelier, No. 201 Broadway, New York.  Langenheim & Beckers.      

Advertisement ran from April 7 to May 3, 1845.

1845 May 13.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  May 13, 1845, Vol. XI, No. 131, Whole No. 4093, P. 3.

Voigtaender’s Daguerreotype Apparatus.  Arrangements recently made with their brother-in-law, Mr. Voigtlaender, Vienna, enable the subscribers to sell those Apparatus at reduced prices, viz:–

Largest size Apparatus, with three inch lenses for full size plates, at $145.

Medium size Apparatus, with two inch lenses for half size plates, at $78.

Small size Apparatus, with one-and-a-half inch lens for quarter size plates, at $50.

Gentlemen sending remittances in accordance with the above prices, may depend upon receiving the genuine Voigtlaender Apparatus, and not a worthless imitation article, they having procured the sole agency for the United States.

Plates and Chemicals, of their own importation, as well as all other articles connected with their art, for sale at lowest market price.  Philadelphia Exchange.  W. A. F. Langenheim.

Referring to the above advertisement, the subscribers inform the Daguerrean Artists in general that the above Apparatus and other materials can be procured to the stated prices, at their Daguerrean Atelier, No. 201 Broadway, New York.  Langenheim & Beckers.      

Advertisement ran from May 13, to June 27, 1845.

1845 July 3.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  July 3, 1845, Vol. XI, No. 181, Whole No. 4043, P. 3.

Voigtlaender’s Daguerreotype Apparatus.  Arrangements recently made with their brother-in-law, Mr. Voigtlaender, Vienna, enable the subscribers to sell those Apparatus at reduced prices, viz:–

Largest size Apparatus, with three inch lenses for full size plates, at $145.

Medium size Apparatus, with two inch lenses for half size plates, at $78.

Small size Apparatus, with one-and-a-half inch lens for quarter size plates, at $50.

Gentlemen sending remittances in accordance with the above prices, may depend upon receiving the genuine Voigtlaender Apparatus, and not a worthless imitation article, they having procured the sole agency for the United States.

Plates and Chemicals, of their own importation, as well as all other articles connected with their art, for sale at lowest market price.  Philadelphia Exchange.  W. A. F. Langenheim.

Referring to the above advertisement, the subscribers inform the Daguerrean Artists in general that the above Apparatus and other materials can be procured to the stated prices, at their Daguerrean Atelier, No. 201 Broadway, New York.  Langenheim & Beckers.      

Advertisement ran from July 3 to August 27, 1845.

1845 October 5.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  October 5, 1845, Vol. XI, No. 254, Whole No. 4136, P. 3.

Daguerreotype General Furnishing Establishment And Agency For The Sale Of Voigtlaender’s Apparatus.  Besides a new supply of the above Apparatus, the subscribers have received best Plates, Chemicals and Polishing substances, and the newest improvements in the Art.  Instructions given in the Art, and orders from every part of the country promptly attended to, by addressing (post-paid) to W. & F. Langenheim, Philadelphia Exchange.  Langenheim & Beckers, New York, 201 Broadway.                                                                                          

Advertisement ran from October 5 to January 5, 1856.

1845 October 30.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  October 30, 1845, Vol. XI, No. 279, Whole No. 4151, P. 3.

Improvement In Daguerreotype.  By a Mathematically Correct Mirror the subscribers are now Producing Portraits without reversing the image, showing the parting of hair, watch chains, finger rings, &c., precisely as they are worn; but what is more important their portraits cannot fail to be in every respect correct likenesses, whereas, in the usual mode of Daguerreotyping it is impossible to obtain a perfectly correct portrait of any one, they being reversed.

N. B.—Our pictures, taken with this instrument, were awarded a Silver Medal by the American Institute, at its late fair.  Langenheim & Beckers, 201 Broadway. 

The only agents in the United States for Voigtlaindes Instruments, are W. & F. Langenheim, Philadelphia, and Langenheim & Beckers, New York.             

Advertisement ran from October 30 to November 9, 1845.

1846 January 10.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  January 10, 1846, Vol. XII, No. 9, Whole No. 4222, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Several Furnishing Establishments and Sole Agency for the sale of Voigtlaender’s Apparatus. 

The genuine Voigtlaender Apparatus, also the best plates, Chemicals, Polishing Materials and Morocco Cases, &c., &c. may be procured at the subscribers’, wholesale and retail, by addressing (post paid) to W. & F. Langenheim, Exchange, Philadelphia, or Langenheim & Beckers, 201 Broadway, N. Y.

The following gentlemen have agreed to act as Agents for the sale of the genuine Voigtlaender Apparatus:–

Messrs. Litch & Whipple, Boston, Mass.

Mr. James L. Lyon, Richmond, Va.

Mr. S. Broadbent, Columbia, S. C.

Mr. James P. Perry, Charleston, S. C.

Mr. S. Noessel, New Orleans.

Messrs. Johnson & Jacobs, New Orleans.

W. & F. Langenheim, Exchange, Philadelphia.                                

Advertisement ran from January 10 to February 19, 1846.

1846 April 5.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  April 5, 1846, Vol. XII, No. 94, Whole No. 4307, P. 3.

Langenheim & Beckers, Daguerreotypers, 201 Broadway, Below Fulton Street, have enlarged their Atelier, and are now provided with the best kind of light—the style and quality of Pictures they produce with it are like those made at the Exchange in Philadelphia, by W. T. Langenheim, their partners.

Their new mode of deadening the background of Pictures, by sundry permanent colors, is now patented, and gives such beauty of effect to Daguerreotypes, as to be for the public very inviting, at least to examine specimens of this art.

Langenheim & Beckers, Agents for Voigtlaender & Sohn’s German Cameras and L. Beckers, Daguerreotype Chemicals, &c.

Advertisement ran from April 5 to June 13, 1856.

1846 June 25.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  June 25, 1846, Vol. XII, No. 175, Whole No. 4398, P. 3.

Daguerreotype General Furnishing Establishment And Sole Agency for the Sale of Voigtlaender’s Apparatus, Philadelphia, Exchange Rooms 26 & 27.

The Subscribers have just received a new supply of the above Apparatus, of all sizes, and warrant them to be genuine Voigtlaender Apparatus.  They also have on hand best French Plates, Chemicals, Polishing Substances, and every other article used in this art.

Orders from any part of the Union, South America and the West Indies, shall be promptly attended to when accompanied with remittances, address (post paid) to W. & F. Langenheim, Philadelphia, or to Langenheim & Beckers, New York, 201 Broadway.                         

Advertisement ran from June 25 to July 2, 1846.

1847 January 6.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  January 6, 1847, Vol. XII, No. 5, Whole No. 4602, P. 3.

Agency For The Sale Of Voigtlaender’s Daguerreotype Apparatus.  A New supply of the different sizes of the above apparatus, just received.  W. & F. Langenheim, Philadelphia; or Langenheim & Beckers, 201 Broadway, New York.                                                                 

Advertisement ran from January 6 to February 11, 1847.

1847 April 7.  Delaware Gazette.  (Delhi, New York.)  April 7, 1847, Vol. XXIII, No. 26, P. 3.

Daguerrian Atelier.  Langenheim & Beckers, No. 201 Broadway, two doors from Franklin House, New York, sole agency for the sale of Vorgslander’s Daguerreotype Instruments and L. Beckers’ Chemicals.

Advertisement ran on April 7 & 14, 1847.

1847 November 24.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  November 24, 1847, Vol. XIII, No. 322, Whole No. 4919, P. 3.

Voightlaender’s Quick Daguerreotype Instruments, with four times intenser light; lenses of three inches and a quarter diameter, to work on medium plates, for $140.  At Langenheim & Becker, 201 Broadway.  Camera Box extra $5.                                                                  

Advertisement ran from November 24 to December 3, 1847.

1849 April 24.  New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  April 24, 1849, Whole No. 5436, P. 5.

Daguerreotypes Of Children Of Any Age are taken at Langenheim & Beckers’, 201 Broadway, instantaneously and without difficulty.

1849 May 1.  New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  May 1, 1849, Whole No. 5443, P. 5.

Daguerreotypes Of Children Of Any Age, taken at Langenheim & Becker’s. 201 Broadway, instantaneously, and without trouble, from 11 o’clock, A. M. until 3 o’clock, P. M.

1849 June 15.  New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  June 15, 1849, Whole No. 5483, P. 3.

Voigtlaender’s Daguerreotype Instruments, with improved arrangements, for sale at the agency of Langenheim & Beckers, 201 Broadway, above Earle’s carpet store.

1849 September 25.  New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  September 25, 1849, Whole No. 5589, P. 3.

Dissolution.—The Firm Of Langenheim & Beckers is this day dissolved by mutual consent.  The business of the concern will be settled by A. Beckers.  W. & F. Langenheim.  A. Beckers.

We have conferred the Agency for the sale of Voigtlaender’s Optical Instruments on Mr. E. White, 217 Broadway.  W. & F. Langenheim.  Alex. Beckers will continue the Daguerreotype business, with all the facilities and instruments as before, at 201 Broadway; above T. Earle’s Carpet Store.

1849 December 18.  New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  December 18, 1849, Whole No. 5673, P. 2.

Beckers & Piard, Daguerrean Artists, may be found at 201 Broadway.  Alexander Beckers, Late firm, Langenheim & Beckers.  Victor Piard, Late with Anthony, Clark & Co.

Advertisement ran on December 18 & 25, 1849.

1850 April 23.  New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  April 23, 1850, Whole No. 5798, P. 2.

Important to Daguerrean Artists.  To Mr. Victor Bishop, No. 23 Maiden lane, N. Y.

Dear Sir—We cheerfully testify that we have used for some time Louis L. Bishop’s plates, and that they are decidedly superior to all others, either imported or manufactured here.  Beckers & Piard, 201 Broadway.

Those plates are marked in full with the name of Louis L. Bishop, and are for sale only at Victor Bishop’s, No. 23 Maiden Lane.

Advertisement ran from April 23 to 30, 1850.

1852 December 14.  New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  December 14, 1852, Whole No. 7348, P. 4.

The Great Invention of Daguerreotypes.—Now is the time for persons to make their Christmas and New Years gifts, and there is nothing prettier, or more appropriate than a daguerreotype.  Of course, you want one the beauty and perfection of the great new discovery, by which persons are taken with the speculum, without being reversed , in actual position.  Call, them, at the only place to get an elegant daguerreotype picture.  Beckers & Piard, 201 Broadway.

1852 December 30.  New York Daily Tribune.  (New York, New York.)  December 30, 1852, Vol. XII, No. 3652, P. 7.

New Years Gift.—A new and elegant style of Daguerreotypes is taken at Beckers & Piard’s, No. 201 Broadway, by speculum instruments, avoiding reversion of the picture—a fault so detrimental to all other Daguerreotypes—and children are taken by their treble achromatic instrument instantaneously.

1855 December 22.  New York Daily Tribune.  (New York, New York.)  December 22, 1855, Vol. XV, No. 4579, P. 8.

Handsome Ladies!—Pictures Taken Gratis!—The time fixed for the opening of Barnum’s Gallery Of Beauty has been extended for a short period $20,000 will be expended in Premiums to the 100 handsomest Ladies and for painting their portraits.  Highest prize $1,000.  For particulars see circulars at the Museum.  Daguerreotypes for this Gallery will be taken free of all expense to the sitter, if application be made to them immediately, by all the principal artists in the United States, including the following superior Daguerreotypist in the City of New York.

J. Gurney, No. 489 Broadway; M. M. Lawrence, No. 831 Broadway; S. Root, No. 363 Broadway;  Meade Brothers, No. 233 Broadway; R. Anson, No. 589 Broadway; Beckers & Piard, No. 264 Broadway; M. H. Kimball, No. 407 Broadway; J. W. Thompson, No. 315 Broadway, and 182 Fulton-st, Brooklyn; M. Kerston, No. 421 Broadway, cor. of canal; P. Welling, Cor. of Bleecker and Carmine-sts; P. G. Clark, No. 156 Bowery; Jullus Brill, No. 204 Chatham-st; R. A. Lewis, No. 142 Chatham Square.

1856 January 1.  Photographic and fine Arts Journal.  (New York, New York.)  January 1, 1856, Vol. IX, No. 1, P. 19.

In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number One, New York. The author visited 69 Galleries in New York City.

Beckers & Piard — This is an excellent gallery. I was really pleased with their specimens of stereoscope ambrotypes. These gentlemen excel in this branch of the art. The gallery contains a large collection of stereoscopic views which are worth looking at. Both these gentlemen have been connected with the art ever since its first introduction into this country, and their talents in an artistic point of view, as well as their skill in manipulation, is proverbially of the highest order.

1857 November 7.  New York Daily Tribune.  (New York, New York.)  November 7, 1857, Vol. XVII, No. 5164, P. 6 & 7.

Premiums Awarded at the Twenty ninth Fair of the American Institute…Daguerreotypes, Photographs, Hallotypes, &c.

M. B. Brady, No. 359 Broadway, N. J., for best plain and retouched photographs.

………………………………………………………………………………….Small Gold Medal    

J. Gurney, No. 349 Broadway, N. Y., for plain and retouched Photographs (a Gold Medal having been before awarded)……………………………………………………………………..Diploma

M. M. Lawrence, No. 381 Broadway, N. Y., for the best Daguerreotypes and Miniatures in Oil

…………………………………………………………………………………Large Silver Medal

Meade Brothers, No. 233 Broadway, N. Y., for instantaneous Daguerreotypes.

……………………………………………………………………………………….Bronze Medal

J. Gurney, No. 349 Broadway, N. Y., for the best life-size Photographs in Oil (a Gold Medal having been before awarded)………………………………………………………………Diploma

C. D. Fredricks, Nos. 585 and 587 Broadway, N. Y., for life-size Photographs in Oil (a Gold Medal having been before awarded)………………………………………………………Diploma

C. D. Fredericks, Nos. 585 and 587 Broadway, N. Y., for the best Crayon Photographs and Hallotypes………………………………………………………………………Large Silver Medal

J. Gurney, No. 349 Broadway, N. Y., for Crayon Photographs and Hallotypes.

……………………………………………………………………………………….Bronze Medal

J. Gurney, No. 349 Broadway, N. Y., for the best Photographs in Aquerille.

…………………………………………………………………………………Small Silver Medal

C. D. Fredericks, Nos. 585 and 587 Broadway, N. Y., for Photographs in Aquerille.

……………………………………………………………………………………….Bronze Medal

S. C. Holmes, No. 289 Broadway, N. Y., for the best Photographic Views.

…………………………………………………………………………………Small Silver Medal

B. Hafnagel, No. 413 Broadway, N. Y., for photographic Views and copies of Prints.

……………………………………………………………………………………….Bronze Medal

Phillip E. Bogart & Co., No. 58 Pine street, N. Y., for Photographs by the Solar Camera.

…………………………………………………………………………………………….Diploma

G. N. Bernard, Syracuse, N. Y., for Photographs on Wood.

…………………………………………………………….…………………………Bronze Medal

C. C. Harrison, Fifty-third Street, near East River, N. Y., for Photographic Cameras (a Silver Medal having been before awarded………………………………………………………Diploma

Robert A. Werner, No. 25 East Broadway, N. Y., for an ingeniously planned Diaphragm.

……………………………………………………………………………………………..Diploma

A. Beckers, No. 411 Broadway, N. Y., for a Stereoscopic Panorama.

……………………………………………………………………………………………..Diploma

R. Newell & Co., Philadelphia, Pa., for three delicately tinted Portraits.

……………………………………………………………………………………………..Diploma

J. Gurney, No. 349 Broadway, N. Y., for the best Photographs in Pastel.

……………………………………………………………………………………….Bronze Medal

C. D. Fredricks, Nos. 585 and 587 Broadway, N. Y., for Photographs in Pastel.

……………………………………………………………………………………………..Diploma

1889 March 9.  Anthony’s Photographic Bulletin.  (New York, New York.)  March 9, 1889, Vol. XX, No. 5, P. 144-146.

Fifteen Years’ Experience  of a Daguerreotyper.  By Alexander Beckers. Read before the Society of Amateur Photographers of New York, January 31, 1889.

In response to the request of your Corresponding Secretary, Mr. Duffield, I hereby give an outline of my experience ‘in the history of the daguerreotype, for a period of fifteen years.

The details of this antiquated, senior branch of your art can interest you only in such parts as are similar. A comparison of the two, however, will show the progress of the half century we commemorate to-day, as also the centennial of the birth of Daguerre.

The first daguerreotype I saw, was made by Robert Cornelius, in Philadelphia. His laboratory was conspicuous. On the outside could be seen a large mirror, swung on a bracket, for illuminating his sitters with reflected sunlight The use of bromine was not yet known in 1840, but Boudine introduced it soon after. In the same year Robert Chilton called on my brother to make hyposulphite of soda, offering four and a half dollars per pound, stating that the French article cost over five dollars to import, although still impure. Thus the first hypo was made here at the corner of 23d street and Fourth avenue, the present site of the Young Men’s Christian Association. Orders for other chemicals followed, and in 1843 Louis Beckers was the first to manufacture photographic chemicals exclusively, at Old York Road, Philadelphia.

In the same year I entered the daguerreotype business of Mr. Fred Langenheim, in the Merchants’ Exchange of Philadelphia. Here there was little to be seen of the things you see nowadays in a photographic art gallery. A kind of a hiding-place for a dark room, and a spyglass-like camera were all the indications of the mystery 1 was to learn. The camera rested on a candlestick-like tripod, with three set-screws for adjustment, and was placed on an ordinary table. To interchange the ground glass and round daguerreotype plate, it was necessary to unscrew a flanged ring, and replace the same by a reverse motion. For the adjustment of the focu?, there was the rack and pinion, as Voightlander’s instruments still have. This instrument was one of the first made according to the mathematical calculations of Professor Petzval, of Vienna, having two achromatic lenses. It had been sent by young Voightlander to his college-mate, WiHiam Langenheim, as a present, with supplies and instructions, but also the warning not to try daguerreotyping, unless he had courage enough to try five hundred times more after failing with the first hundred pictures. William Langenheim, a lawyer, did not have the courage, but his brother Fred had, and succeeded so well that he was offered six hundred dollars for that odd camera.

The manipulations of preparing a daguerreotype plate will not interest you much. I should state, however, that the production of a chemically clean surface on silver, is a difficulty that increases four-fold with the size of the plate. Another difficulty is the use of the chemicals in a volatile state. The iodine can be controlled by sight with faint day-light, but the bromine only by even temperature and constant practice.

At Langenheim’s necessity soon introduced a square camera, with square plates and holders. A high tripod was also used instead of the table. In the summer of 1843 dozen of small Voightlander objectives, such as are still on tlie market, were imported. Soon after, four larger ones, for 6 x 8-inch pictures, arrived. In the fall of that year, Phillip Hass, formerly of Paris, showed Fizeau’s method of fixing the image on the plate by cold gilding. Soon after the picture was made more brilliant by heating the plate while the gold solution was on it. In that winter the first polishing wheel was made. It was constructed like an ordinary grindstone, worked by a treadle, the wheel being cushioned and covered with buckskin. With the aid of this machine, and after weeks of hard labor and many experiments, we succeeded in making the first good large daguerreotype of 6 x 8 inches, called whole size; half and twothirds size were advertised and made with success. At that time we also succeeded in making a picture of a sick lady at her own residence, which had been considered impossible.

In the spring of 1844 Mr. Edward White bought one of the large Voightlander instruments, and for him I made the first large daguerreotypes in this city at 175 Broadway. There were then but a few daguerreans here. They were I. Gurney, Anthony, Edwards & Chilton, Augustus Morand, Van Loan, Burgess, Brush, Weston, Artho, Insley, Plumb, and others I cannot recall.

I remained with Edward White until December, 1844, when it became impossible to make a picture in his operating room on account of the extreme cold, for Mr. White would not allow a fire in the place over night. Then I commenced business for myself, at the comer of Nassau and John streets, and after May, 1845, 201 Broadway, under the firm of Langenheim & Beckers, agents for Voightlander & Louis Beckers.

At that time the large Voightlander objectives had a chemical and a visual focus, so that in order to make a large, near picture, the lenses were moved out one-eighth of an inch, while for usual work the ground glass was set permanently one-sixteenth of an inch nearer than the plate. That summer I look a view of High Bridge before the scaffolding was removed. This picture was taken for the engineers, and was perhaps the first one ever taken here in aid of architecture. By taking out-door views I discovered that the plates increased in sensitiveness with the time between the preparation and exposure, and in 1848 obtained a sharp picture of a procession in motion.

In 1847 I began to use a speculum metal mirror, in order to have my pictures not inverted. For very unsymmetrical faces this arrangement was quite indispensable in order to get a likeness. The mirror was attached to the instrument at an angle of 4 5 degrees. The use of the mirror required double the time of exposure. It was made by Fitz, Senior, the optician, and was used for years after.

In 1848 Fred Langenheim bought the Fox-Talbot patent for the United States, at six thousand dollars. He introduced it here and failed in the undertaking. Our daguerreotypes were taken so perfect that they were preferred to any Talbotype. Abroad the superiority of our pictures was attributed to our clear atmosphere until American Daguerreotypists, as Dentists, took the lead all over the world.

In 1849 “*y firm was changed to Beckers & Piard. Having now more time, we succeeded in substituting machinery for cleaning our plates, and thus obtained cleaner and better plates in one-third the time required by hand.

In 1852 M. M. Root, of Philadelphia, made two pictures on one plate. We succeeded m making four on one plate, and in such a way that the exposed quarter was in the center of the field of the lens. It was then a great relief, as locket pictures were in fashion. In 1856 Mr. Ormsbee patented this same multiplying plate holder and collected considerable money on it, until my priority made his claim void.

The production of stereoscopic portraits was the next task. Marchner, of Philadelphia, made patent cases to show these pictures in a very neat way. In 1854 F. Langenheim had commenced to manufacture stereoscopic views on glass. He sent me three dozen of his make, to find sale for them here. At the first exhibit of these pictures one dozen of them were broken. This loss set me to thinking how to find an arrangement to show and secure the pictures against breakage, and in 1857 I obtained a patent for my revolving stereoscope. The increasing demand for this machine induced me to sell my daguerreotype business in 1858.

Thus I was relieved from satisfying the vanity of each individual beauty of this world, and ended my career as a daguerrean.

1889 April 13.  Anthony’s Photographic Bulletin.  (New York, New York.)  April 13, 1889, Vol. XX, No. 7, P. 209-211

The Daguerreotype Experience.  By Alexander Beckers.  Read before the Photographic Section of the American Institute.

In response to a request of your Chairman of the Executive Committee, Mr. J. B. Gardner, I hereby give you a brief outline of my daguerreotype experience.

The details of this senior branch of photography can interest you, I presume, only in such parts as have a bearing on the more recent modes of picture making. A comparison of these will show the progress of the half century we commemorate and also remind us of the centennial of the birth of Daguerre. The first daguerreotype I ever saw was made by Robert Cornelious, in Philadelphia. His laboratory was conspicuous, for on the outside could be seen a large mirror swung on a bracket to illuminate his sitters with reflected sun-light

The use of bromine was not yet known in 1840 ; but Boudine introduced it soon after. The same year Robert Chilton called on my brother to make hyposulphite of soda, offering $4. 50 per pound ; stating that the French article, though very impure, cost $5 per pound to import. Thus the first hypo was made here, at the corner of 23d street and Fourth avenue, the present site of the Young Men’s Christian Association. Orders for other daguerreotype chemicals quickly followed, and in 1843 Louis Beckers was the first to manufacture these chemicals exclusively, at Old York Road, Philadelphia.

The same year (1843) I entered the daguerreotype business of Mr. Frederick Langenheim, in the Merchants’ Exchange of Philadelphia. Here there was little to be seen of the things you see now in a photo gallery. A kind of hiding place for a dark room and a spyglass-like camera were the only indications of the mystery I was to learn. The camera rested on a candlestick-like tripod, with three set screws for adjustment, and was placed on an ordinary table. To interchange the ground-glass and round daguerreotype plates, it was necessary to unscrew a flanged ring and replace the same by a reverse motion. For the adjustment of focus there was the rack and pinion, as Voigtlander ‘s instruments still have. This instrument was one of the first made according to the mathematical calculations of Professor Petzval, of Vienna, having two achromatic lenses. One of these instruments was sent by young Voigtlander to his college mate, William Langenheim, as a present, with supplies and instructions, but also with the warning not to attempt daguerreotyping unless he had courage enough to try five hundred times more after failing in the first hundred pictures. This young lawyer, William Langenheim, proved not to have the courage, but his brother Frederick had, and succeeded so well that he was offered six hundred dollars for that odd camera. The preparing of daguerreotype plates will not interest you much, though I should state that the production of a chemically clean surface on silver is a difficulty that increases four-fold with the size of the plate. Another difficulty is the use of the chemicals in a volatile state. The iodine can be controlled by sight with faint day-light ; but the bromine only by even temperature and constant practice. The round plates were used only for a short time, and so far as I know Langenheim was the first to introduce a square camera, plates and holders; also a tripod in place of a table. In the summer of 1843 the first dozen of small Voigtlander objectives were imported. One of these, 1 believe, is still in the possession of Mr. J. B. Gardner. Soon after four large ones, for 6×8 pictures, were imported. In the fall of that year Philipe Haas, formerly of Paris, showed Fizeau’s method of fixing the image on the plate by cold gilding. Shortly after this it was found that the picture could be gilded in much less time and made more brilliant by heating the plate while the gold solution was on it, and so Fizeau’s method went entirely out of use. During the winter of 1843 the first polishing wheel was made. It was constructed like an ordinary grindstone, the wheel being cushioned and then covered with buckskin. With the aid of this machine, and after weeks of hard labor, we succeeded in making the first 6×8 daguerreotype. At this time the only sizes used with any degree of success were 3×4 and 5^ x 4 J. There were also many plates used two sizes smaller that were designated as sixths and ninths. At that time we also succeeded in making a picture of a sick lady at her own residence, which was then deemed impossible.

In the spring of 1844 Mr. Edward White bought one of the large Voigtlander instruments, and for him I made the first large daguerreotype in New York City, at 175 Broadway. There were then only a few daguerreans in the city. They were J. Gurney, Anthony, Edwards & Chilton, Van Loan, Burgess, and a few others I cannot recall. I remained with Mr. White until December, 1844, when it was impossible to make a picture on account of the severe cold, for my employer would not allow a fire in his place over night Then I commenced business for myself at the corner of Nassau and John streets, and after May, 1845, at 201 Broadway, under the firm of Langenheim & Beckers, agents for Voigtlander & Louis Beckers.

At that time the large Voigtlander objectives had a chemical and a visual focus, so that in order to make a picture sharp the lenses were moved out one eighth of an inch. This we soon after rectified by having the ground-glass of the camera set permanently one-sixteenth of an inch nearer the lens than the sensitive plate.

That summer 1 took a view of High Bridge, before the scaffolding was removed. This picture was made for the engineers, and was perhaps the first taken in this country in aid of architecture.

By taking out-door views, I soon discovered that the plate increased in sensitiveness by not exposing it immediately after sensitizing. I found, however, that any very long delay (say for three hours or more) made the plate entirely useless. In 1847, the optician, Fitz, Sr., made for me a speculum metal mirror, with which I was enabled to avoid the inversion of my pictures. For many faces and objects this was a great advantage, though it doubled the time of exposure. This mirror was attached to the instrument at an angle of forty-five degrees, and “So well did it serve my purpose that I continued to use it for a number of years.

In 1848 Langenheim bought Fox Talbot’s patent for the United States at six thousand dollars, but financially it proved a failure, as this process never became popular in this country. Why it should not prove a success is quite evident when we remember how infinitely superior the daguerreotype was to any sun picture made on paper. In England Talbot’s process could be received with greater favor, as it did not come in competition with the daguerreotype as made in America. It is true that the daguerreotype was made in many of the large cities of Europe, but in none of these could it compare with the work of this country. The daguerreotypists here took the lead in the beginning ; and up to the time when the collodion process became popular, never allowed themselves to be excelled by any other nation.

In 1849 my firm was changed to Beckers & Piard. Having now more time, ‘we succeeded in constructing a machine for cleaning plates in one-third the time required by hand.

In 1852 we contrived a method for making four pictures on one plate, and in such a way that the exposed quarter was in the center of the field of the lens. To us this was a very useful improvement, for locket pictures were then in great demand. In 1856 Mr. Ormsby obtained a patent for this same multiplying plate-holder, and collected considerable money on it, until my priority claim proved his to be void. The production of stereoscopic pictures was the next task. Mascher, of Philadelphia, made patent cases to show these portraits in a very neat manner. In 1854 F. Langenheim commenced the manufacture of stereoscopic views on glass. He sent me three dozen, to find sale for them in New York. At the first exhibition of these pictures one-third of them were broken. This loss set me to thinking how to contrive an arrangement to show and secure the pictures against breakage, and in 1857 I obtained a patent for my revolving stereoscope. The increasing demand for this machine induced me to sell my daguerreotype business in 1858.

Thus being relieved from catering to the vanity of humanity, my career as a daguerrean was ended.  Hoboken March 4, 1889,

Bear, John W.

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1845                Address Unknown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]

1845                17 Hanover Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[2]

1846                Address Unknown, Wilmington, Delaware.

1846                Address Unknown, Washington, Delaware.

1846                Court House, Annapolis, Maryland.1

1846                Washington Street, Alexandria, Virginia.1

N. D.               Address Unknown, Frederick, Maryland.1

N. D.               Court House, Hagerstown, Maryland.1

N. D.               Address Unknown, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.1

N. D.               Address Unknown, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.1

1847-1848       Address Unknown, Winchester, Virginia.1

1848                Rooms in the Court House, Charles Town, Virginia.

1850                Address Unknown, Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania. 

1850-1852       Various towns in Pennsylvania.1

1846 January 29.  The Boston Daily Mail.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  January 29, 1846, Vol. VI, No. 45, P. 2.

Baer, the ‘Buckeye Blacksmith,’ is now taking daguerreotype likenesses at Wilmington, Del.  If we mistake not, he drew some very good portraits during the political campaign of 1840.

1846 January 30.  Blue Hens Chicken & Delaware Democratic Whig.  (Wilmington, Delaware.)  January 30, 1846, Vol. 1, No. 24, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Likenesses.  Mr. Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, respectfully informs the citizens of Wilmington and vicinity, that he has taken the room occupied by Messrs. Miller & Co., as a Writing School.  He will warrant a correct likeness not to fade, in a good Morocco Case for one dollar and a half.  Jan. 16.

1846 February 7.  The Hartford Times.  (Hartford, Connecticut.)  February 7, 1846, Vol. XXX, No. 1520, P. 3.

Baer, the “Buckeye Blacksmith,” is now taking daguerreotypes likenesses at Wilmington, Del.  If we mistake not. He drew some very good portraits during the political campaign of 1840.  Boston Mail.

1846 February 21.  Democratic Banner.  (Bowling Green, Missouri.)  February 21, 1846, Vol. 1, No. 50, p. 1.

Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, is Taking Daguerreotypes likenesses at Washington, Delaware.

1846 October 6.  The Spirit of the Times.  (Batavia, New York.)  October 6, 1846, Vol. 28, No. 16, P. 3.

John W. Bear, The Buckeye Blacksmith, who has figured considerably as a whig stump speaker, is now taking daguerreotype likenesses in Annapolis, Md.

1846 October 23.  American Republican and Baltimore Daily Clipper.  (Baltimore, Maryland.)  October 23, 1846, Volume XV, No. 99, P. 4.

Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, is across the Potomac, in Alexandria, taking daguerreotype likenesses.  He is a kind of man-of-all-work.  First a blacksmith, next a political orator, afterwards an Indian agent, then a temperance lecturer, and now a daguerreotypist.

1846 November 2.  The Columbian Fountain.  (Baltimore, Maryland.)  November 2, 1846, Volume 1, No. 273, P. 2.

Mr. Bear, The Buckeye Blacksmith is still alive and kicking, and is at present taking daguerreotype likenesses in Alexandria, Va.

1846 November 18.  Auburn Journal and Advertiser.  (Auburn, New York.)  November 18, 1846, Vol. 14, No. 29, P. 2.

John W. Baer, the “Buckeye Blacksmith,” is established at Alexandria, Va., as a Daguerreotypist, and meets with great encouragement.  If he can portray features as well as he did the political iniquities of Van Burenisn, we do not wonder at his success,

1848 July 25.  Spirit of Jefferson.  (Charles Town, Virginia.)  July 25, 1848, Volume V, No. 3, P. 2.

Correct Pictures.  Mr. John W. Bear has opened rooms at the Court House for the purpose of receiving visits of those who may desire Daguerreotypes—Mr. B. has in his position the best apparatus that has ever been in our place, or else is the best operator—probably both, combined—for his pictures are certainly the most correct delineations of the originals that we have ever seen.  Having examined his specimens we can speak thus positively, and all who desire good pictures will do well to “embrace the present opportunity.”  His card will be found in another column.

1848 July 25.  Spirit of Jefferson.  (Charles Town, Virginia.)  July 25, 1848, Volume V, No. 3, P. 3.

Only $1.50 for the Best Daguerreotype Likeness ever taken in Charlestown—

Mr. J. W. bear respectfully informs the Ladies and Gentlemen of Charlestown and vicinity, that he has taken rooms at the Court House, for a few days only, where, with the latest and best apparatus ever imported, and materials of the first quality, he is fully prepared to execute Daguerreotype Likenesses, of all sizes, in a style not to be surpassed by any other artist in the country.  Giving to the picture a bold relief from that deadness usually seen in Daguerreotypes, [and] fully developing the eyes, (the imperfections of which have so long been an objection to this class of Miniatures.) and giving the whole picture a life-like appearance unusually seen in the Daguerreotype Miniature.

Likenesses of Children, as young as two years, taken in exquisite style; and where is the parent that would not pay the paltry sum of $1.50, for a correct likeness at that interesting age?

Family groups taken on the largest scale ever taken in this country, in splendid style and at moderate prices.

Single pictures, medium sizes, colored true to life, and warranted not to fade for $1.50, including a fine morocco case.

As his stay will be limited to a few days, those wishing to procure miniatures or examine specimens would do well to call soon.

Miniatures taken without regard to the state of the weather from 6 o’clock, A. M., until 5 o’clock P. M.  Instructions given in the art with all the latest Improvements for a reasonable price.

RULES.

 No person shall be bound to take a picture unless they and their friends who are present when it is taken are satisfied that it is a correct likeness.  But no miniatures will be taken back and retaken after it leaves the room, under $1.

Call as soon for my prices are low.  If your pictures don’t please you I’ll call it no go.  Likenesses of servants taken in a splendid style.  Charlestown, July, 25, 1848.

Advertisement ran from July 25 to August 15, 1848.

1850 May 9.  The Star of the North.  (Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.)  May 9, 1850, Volume 2, No. 15, P. 3.

We announced in our last issue the arrival of J. W. Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, and we must this week record his departure for Orwigsburg, attended by an escort of one or two constables.  His charge is seduction under promise of marriage.  The girl is a resident of Pottsville.—Schuylkill Haven Map.

1850 May 30.  Jefferson Republican.  (Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.)  May 30 1850, Volume 10, No. 40, P. 3.

John W. Bear.  We learn that the suits commenced against John W. Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, have been withdrawn at the instance of the prosecutor, who admits that he acted under improper advice.  Mr. Bear is busily engaged in taking Daguerreotypes at Orwigsburg.

1850 June 6.  The Star of the North.  (Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.)  June 6, 1850, Volume 2, No. 19, P. 3.

To The Public.  Mr. B. Bannan:—Sir—I perceived a small paragraph in the Miners Journal of Saturday 18th inst., stating that the prosecution or suits commenced against John W. Bear, “had been withdrawn at the instance of the prosecutor, who admits that he acted under improper advice, and that Mr. Bear is busily engaged in taking Daguerreotypes at Orwigsburg.”  In reply to which, I beg leave to answer, that the withdrawal of the suits was at the instance of John W. Bear’s Counsel, which, after reflection and consideration, I yielded to, upon the payment of costs and expenses, and with the understanding that he, (Bear,) would leave the county in a short time, permanently.  With reference to my having admitted that I had acted under improper advice, this is entirely incorrect.—Before the suits were brought, as since, and at present, I conceive it to be my duty, and the duty of every parent in this and all communities, to try and save their children from the seductive snare of the aged and artful, who are disposed to offer violence to the young and unwary, altho’ at the expanse of broken hearts of parents, family, and friends.

Your humble serv’t, most respectfully,  James Staats.  Pottsville, May 21st, 1850.  

[1] The Life And Travels of John W. Bear, “The Buckeye Blacksmith.” P. 138-152. .

[2] Boston City Directory, Residence Listing.  Not recorded in Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900.

Beals, Alonzo H.

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1856                Opposite the Gardiner Hotel, Gardiner, Maine. [1]

1857                Address and Location Unknown, Maine.

1859-1860       103 Court Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[2]

1857 October 8.  Maine Farmer.  (Augusta, Maine.)  October 8, 1857, Vol. XXV, No. 42, P. 1.

Show & Fair Of The So. Kennebec AG. Society.  The Fifth Exhibition of this Society occurred at Gardiner, on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 23d, 24th, and 25th ults.  We are indebted to the report of the Bath Tribune for the substance of the following account….

Paintings, Drawings, &c…

Best display of Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes, dip.  A. H. Beals; for Photographs, $1, do; Painted Photographs, $1, Beals & Butman; Ambrotypes, 75c, H. M. Green.

1859 February 19.  Maine Rural.  (Gardiner, Maine.)  February 19, 1859, Vol. 1, No. 1, P. 4.

Notice.  Photographs And Ambrotypes.  (repeated six times.)  The subscriber would respectfully inform the citizens of Gardiner and Vicinity that he has take the Gallery Formerly occupied by Beal’s, opposite the Gardiner Hotel, and is prepared to execute all work pertaining to the Photographic Art, In all its branches, in the Best Manner, And hopes by fair and honorable dealings to merit the public favor and patronage.  J. S. Variell, Gardiner, Jan. 22, 1857. 

Possibly A. H. Beal who was active in

N. D.-1853      86 Factory Island, Saco, Maine.

1854                Room over Hill’s Confectionery Store, Biddeford, Maine.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

[2] Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900.

Beals, Albert J.

Daguerreotypes, ,

1847                175 Broadway, New York, New York.

1847-1853       156 Broadway, between Maiden-Lane and Liberty Street, New York, New York.

1847 March 30.  Long Island Farmer, and Queens County Advertiser.  (Jamaica, New York.)  March 30, 1847, Vol. XIV, No. 51, P. 3.

To The World.  A. J. Beals has now reduced his Premium One Dollar Daguerrean Likenesses from $3 to $1, including a handsome Morocco case; Gold and plated Lockets and frames of all kinds.  His rooms are No. 156 and 175 Broadway.  Please preserve this card Advertisement ran on March 30 & April 6, 1847.

1847 April 7.  Delaware Gazette.  (Delhi, New York.)  April 7, 1847, Vol. XXVIII, No. 26, P. 3.

To The World.  A. J. Beals has now reduced his Premium One Dollar Daguerrean Likenesses from $3 to $1, including a handsome Morocco case; Gold and plated Lockets and frames of all kinds.  His rooms are No. 156 and 175 Broadway.  Please preserve this card Advertisement ran on April 7 & 14, 1847.

1847 April 13.  Geneva Courier.  (Geneva, New York.)  April 13, 1847, Vol. XVII, No. 17, Whole No. 850, P. 3.

To The World.  A. J. Beals has now reduced his Premium One Dollar Daguerrean Likenesses from $3 to $1, including a handsome Morocco case; Gold and plated Lockets and frames of all kinds.  His rooms are No. 156 and 175 Broadway.  Please preserve this card Advertisement ran from April 13 to 27, 1847.

1847 October 6.  Delaware Gazette.  (Delhi, New York.)  October 6, 1847, Vol. XXVIII, No. 52, P. 3.

To The World!!  A. J. Beals’ Premium One Dollar Daguerrean Portrait Gallery, Nos. 156 and 175 Broadway.  A likeness, including a handsome morocco case for One Dollar.  Gold and Plated Lockets of all descriptions, and stock of all kinds, Wholesale and retail.  Preserve this card and be sure you don’t lose it.

Advertisement ran on October 6 to 27, 1847.

1847 September 22.  Broome Republican.  (Binghamton, New York.)  September 22, 1847, Vol. XXVI, No. 8, Whole No. 1258, P. 3.

To The World!!  A. J. Beals’ Premium One Dollar Daguerrean Portrait Gallery, Nos. 156 and 175 Broadway.  A likeness, including a handsome morocco case for one dollar.  Gold and plated lockets of all descriptions, and stock of all kinds, Wholesale and retail.  Preserve this card and be sure you don’t lose it.

Advertisement ran on September 22 to October 13, 1847.

1847 September 22.  The Constitution.  (Middletown, Connecticut.)  September 22, 1847, Vol. X, No. 508, P. 3.

New York Fall Trade,  1847.  To County Merchants…

To The World!!  A. J. Beals’ Premium One Dollar Daguerrean Portrait Gallery, Nos. 156 and 175 Broadway,  A likeness including a handsome morrocco case for one dollar.  Gold and plated Lockets of all descriptions, and stock of a kinds wholesale and retail.  Preserve this card, and be sure you don’t lose it.

Advertisement ran from September22 to October 13, 1847.

1848 June 28.  New York Daily Tribune.  (New York, New York.)  June 28, 1848, Vol. VIII, No. 94, Whole No. 2274, P. 1.

A New And Great Discovery for rendering Daguerreotype indelible, at A. J. Beals’ Premium One Dollar Daguerrean Gallery.  N. B.—156 Broadway, third floor, between Maiden-lane and Liberty-st.—has no connection with any other room or establishment in the city.         jy. 26. Advertisement ran from June 28 to August 22, 1848.

1848 August 8.  New York Daily Tribune.  (New York, New York.)  August 8, 1848, Vol. VIII, No. 103, Whole No. 2283, P. 3.

Wanted—The person that borrowed or stole a lady’s picture or daguerreotype from my room to return it, or he will see his name in full.         A. J. Beals, 156 Broadway.                        Au. 8.

1849 December 17.  New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  December 17, 1849, Whole No. 5672, P. 2.

$250 Reward.—I will bet this amount that A. J. Beals, of No. 156 Broadway, between Maiden Lane and Liberty street, will for One Dollar, take as good a daguerreotype, and put it up in as good style, as any other established will for $3, and warrant them not to fade.  Please call and examine his specimens, No. 156 Broadway, A. J. Beal’s, over Bebee & Co.’s hat store.

Advertisement ran on December 17, 22, 24, 25 & 31, 1849.

1849 December 31.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  December 31, 1849, Whole No. 5686, P. 3.

Wanted—The Person That Stole A Picture taken of a lady living in Brooklyn, with black dress, black eyes, and arms folded, to return said daguerreotype, or I will expose said person as a thief, and deal with him accordingly.  A. J. Beals, No. 156 Broadway.

1850 February 11.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  February 11, 1850, Whole No. 5727, P. 2.

$100 Reward.—For One Dollar—11, 570 Daguerreotypes were taken by A. J. Beals the past year.  The above paid to any person producing one of his Patent Daguerreotypes that ever fade.  Yes, in a beautiful case you can now get one of his premium pictures for One Dollar.  NO. 156 Broadway, between Maiden Lane and Liberty street.

1850 February 16.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  February 16, 1850, Whole No. 5732, P. 2.

The Greatest Business in Daguerreotypes—And truly the most beautiful are taken at A. J. Beal’s One Dollar Premium Daguerreotype Gallery.  He is now taking his Patent Daguerreotype inclosed in a handsome case, dollar, without regard to weather.  N. B.—Pupils on reasonable terms.  Stock of all kinds.  156 Broadway, between Maiden Lane and Liberty street.

Advertisement ran on February 16 & 18, 1850.

1850 March 4.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  March 4, 1850, Whole No. 5748, P. 2.

The Public are respectfully informed, and it is generally known that those clear, bold, soft toned and truly rich Daguerreotypes are taken by A. J. Beals, but we wish to have it known the he now is taking his patent Daguerreotype Likenesses for One Dollar.  N. B. Pupils taught on reasonable terms, and stock of all kinds.  156 Broadway, near Liberty street.

1850 March 18.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  March 18, 1850, Whole No. 5762, P. 2.

New and Great Discovery.—A New Process for Rendering Daguerreotypes Indelible.—The great difficulty hitherto with Daguerreotype Likenesses, has to fix the impression.  This great desideratum has at length been attained at A. J. Beals’ Premium One Dollar Daguerrean Gallery, 156 Broadway. 3d floor, east side of Broadway, between Maiden Lane and Liberty street.

1850 April 6.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  April 6, 1850, Whole No. 5781, P. 4.

New and Great Discovery.—A New Process for rendering Daguerreotypes indelible, has at length been attained at A. J. Beals Premium One Dollar Daguerrean Gallery, No. 156 Broadway, east side between Maiden lane and Liberty street.  Pupils taught the latest improvements on reasonable terms.  Stock of all kinds.

1850 April 8.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  April 8, 1850, Whole No. 5783, P. 2.

$100 Reward.—For One Dollar.—11,570 Daguerreotypes were taken by A. J. Beals the past year.  The above paid to any person producing one of his Patent Daguerreotypes that ever faded.  Yes, in a beautiful case, you can now get one of his premium pictures for One Dollar.  No. 156Broadway, between Maiden Lane and Liberty street.

1850 April 13.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  April 13, 1850, Whole No. 5788, P. 3.

$250 Reward.—To Californians—That I , A. J. Beals, No. 156 Broadway, between Maiden lane and Liberty street, will, for One Dollar, take as good a Daguerreotype, put up in as good style, as any other establishment for $3, and warrant not to fade.  Please call and examine specimens at his room.

1850 April 21.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  April 21, 1850, Whole No. 5796, P. 3.

$500 Reward—To any person who will produce one of A. J. Beal’s One Dollar Premium Daguerreotypes that ever faded; his Daguerreotypes are put up in as good style as those that charge $3, and warranted never to fade, at A. J. Beal’s, No. 156 Broadway, between Maiden lane and Liberty street, over Beebe’s hat store.

Advertisement ran on April 21 & 22, 1850.

1850 April 27.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  April 27, 1850, Whole No. 5802, P. 2.

$500 Reward—To any person who will produce one of A. J. Beal’s One Dollar Premium Daguerreotypes that ever faded; his Daguerreotypes are put up in as good style as those that charge $3, and warranted never to fade, at A. J. Beal’s, No. 156 Broadway, between Maiden lane and Liberty street, over Beebe’s hat store.

1850 May 13.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  May 13, 1850, Whole No. 5818, P. 2.

Special Notice.—A. J. Beal’s One Dollar Patent Daguerreotypes are at his old rooms, No. 156 Broadway, over Beebe & Co.’s hat store, opposite Rathbun’s Hotel, and has no connection with any other room in the city.—Portraits warranted for $1, in a handsome case.  N. B.—No, 156 Broadway, between Maiden lane and Liberty st.

1850 May 25.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  May 25, 1850, Whole No. 5829, P. 3.

A New And Great Discovery.—A New Process for rendering Daguerreotypes indelible, has at length been attained at A. J. Beal’s Premium One Dollar Daguerrean Gallery, No. 156 Broadway, east side, between Maiden lane and Liberty street.  Pupils taught the latest improvements on reasonable terms.  Stock of all kinds;

1850 June 1.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  June 1, 1850, Whole No. 5836, P. 2.

Important.—We advise those that want a perfect Likeness, and one that never will fade, to call at A. J. Beal’s, and get one of his Patent Daguerreotypes.  His price is but $1, and he is now considered the first in this great art.  N. B.—No. 156 Broadway, east side, over Beebe & Co.’s Hat Store.

1850 June 17.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  June 17, 1850, Whole No. 5852, P. 2.

The Great Discovery.—A. J. Beals, [will] learn the Daguerrean Art, with the latest improvements, including his Patent, which he has just received, to any one now wishing to learn the art, on reasonable terms.  Likenesses reduced from $3 to $1, in a beautiful case.  Stock of all kinds at No. 156 Broadway, east side, over Beebe & Co.’s Hat Store.

1850 June 24.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  June 24, 1850, Whole No. 5859, P. 3.

The greatest Wonder of the Age is how A. J. Beals can take his beautiful Patent Daguerreotypes for $1. While others charge $3 for daguerreotypes, and not near so good.  We would recommend our readers to give this old establishment a call, if they desire a good likeness in a handsome case.  No. 156 Broadway. east side, over Beebe & Co.’s Hat store.

1850 July 28.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  July 28, 1850, Whole No. 5892, P. 3.

Daguerreotyping.—We would advise all that wish to learn this great art, with all its late improvements, and on reasonable terms, to call on A. J. Beals, for he never fails in taking a picture, and guarantees to learn his pupils the same.  Daguerreotypes for $1.  Stock of all kinds.  No. 156 Broadway, east side, over Beebe’s hat store.

1850 August 10.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  August 10, 1850, Whole No. 5905, P. 2.

$500 Reward—To any person who will produce one of A. J. Beals One Dollar Premium Daguerreotypes that ever faded: his Daguerreotypes are put up in as good style as those that charge $3, and warranted never to fade, at A. J. Beal’s, No. 156 Broadway, between Maiden lane and Liberty street, over Beebe’s hat store.

1850 August 26.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  August 26, 1850, Whole No. 5921, P. 2.

To Daguerreans.—The Electric Buffs, or the knowledge for preparing them, can be had for the nominal sum of $5, of A. J. Beals, (the only agent for this State and city.)  His buff will lessen the time of taking a picture over two thirds.  Pupils taught the art on reasonable terms, including the knowledge of making these buffs.  Call or address at A. J. Beals, No. 156 Broadway, east side, over Beebe & Co.’s hat store.  Likenesses taken for $1, and warranted.

1850 October 5.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  October 5, 1850, Whole No. 5960, P. 2.

Jenny Lind’s Portraits.—The best and most correct one that has been taken, was by A. J. Beals, at his Premium One Dollar Daguerrean Gallery.  We advise those that want a perfect likeness, to call at his Rooms, and there you can get a correct one, in a beautiful case, for one dollar, at No. 156 Broadway, east side, between maiden Lane and Liberty street, over Beebe & Co.’s Hat store.

1850 October 28.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  October 28, 1850, Whole No. 5983, P. 2.

$500—There appears to be some dissatisfaction among some of the renowned and wonderful artists, as they style themselves, because A. J. Beals took the medal.  $500 is ready for any of those coughers and blowers, if they can take any size picture with A. J. Beals, who only charges $1 for his Daguerreotypes.  No. 156 Broadway, over Beebe & Co.’s Hat Store, between Maiden Lane and Liberty street.

1850 November 9.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  November 9, 1850, Whole No. 5995, P. 4.

$500 Challenge.—We, the undersigned, do agree that A. J. Beals’ four Daguerreotype Pictures are the best, viz: For depth of tone and finish in every respect, thereby awarding him the money, $500.  Judges, T. T. Rosch, A. B. Anthony, J. B. Plumb, L. O. Root.  N. B.—We advise our friends and the people to call at his rooms, and there they can get a correct likeness for One Dollar, in a beautiful case.  No. 156 Broadway, over Beebe & Co.’s Hat Store.

1850 November 11.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  November 11, 1850, Whole No. 5997, P. 2.

$500 Challenge.—We see that A. J. Beals has made or won the money, and it is as we expected; and all we have to say to our readers is to call at his rooms, and there you can get as good, if not the best, daguerreotype likenesses in the city, and warranted never to fade, in a beautiful case. for one dollar, at No. 156 Broadway, between Maiden lane and Liberty street, over Beebe & Co.’s hat store.

1850 December 5.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  December 5, 1850, Whole No. 6021, P. 2.

The Greatest Discovery In Daguerreotyping.—A. J. Beals has just received a patent for daguerreotyping a new style on silver, and much superior to those pretended to be taken on Ivory, producing exquisitely beautiful likenesses with all the beauty of a painting.  N. B.—And his price is but $1 plain; $1.50 colored.  Will be open Thanksgiving day.  No. 156 Broadway, between Maiden lane and Liberty street, opposite Rathbun’s Hotel.

1851 January 25.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  January 25, 1851, Whole No. 6069, P. 4.

$500 Reward.—A Wonderful Discovery In Daguerreotyping.  A. J. Beals is now taking his beautiful Ivory pictures, for only one dollar, in a beautiful case; we recommend our readers, and all those that want a good and correct likeness, to call at his rooms and examine his specimens—he warrants his pictures never to fade.  Gold lockets of all kinds.  Rooms No. 156 Broadway, east side, between Maiden lane and Liberty street, opposite Rathbun’s Hotel—Rooms established in 1846.

1851 May 24.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  May 24, 1851, Whole No. 6787, P. 5.

$500 Reward.—A. J. Beals is the inventor of the ivory finished Daguerreotype, and at his rooms they can now be had, and at no other place in the city.  These Daguerreotypes are much superior to the old style.  N. B.—We advise our friends by all means to get one.  The price is only $1 to $10, at No. 156 Broadway, east side, between Liberty street and Maiden lane.  Hill’s great book for taking colors, now ready for sale at Beals’.

1851 June 5.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  June 5, 1851, Whole No. 6799, P. 5.

Wanted—A Boy—One That Would Like To lean the Daguerreotype art preferred, and one that can bring the best references for honesty and industry.  Wages, one hundred dollars the first year, and increased.  Call at No. 156 Broadway, up stairs.  A. J. Beals.

1851 October 27.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  October 27, 1851, Whole No. 6941, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes That \Will Not Fade For one dollar, taken by J. Beals, 156 Broadway, three doors from Liberty street.  All pictures warranted taken at my rooms.  N. B.—None but Peter Funk’s daguerreotypes rooms will try to humbug a fifty cent picture and deceive a respectable person—none but daubs will attempt it.

Advertisement ran on October 27 & 28, 1851.

1852 July 19.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  July 19, 1852, Whole No. 7200, P. 2.

$100 Reward.—To the best Daguerreotype Blower—The Peter Funk Daguerreotypist can now blow away and make their poetry &c. to some purpose.  The reward will be paid by A. J. Beals, at his one dollar Daguerrean gallery.  No. 156 Broadway, near Liberty street.  N. B.—Daguerreotypes taken for six cents.

1852 August 19.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  August 19, 1852, Whole No. 7231, P. 7.

Starting Intelligence.—Death of the fifty cent Peter Funk daguerreotype family—they are fast dropping off.  The death warrant or the red flag will fetch them all ere long, for such humbug artists cannot deceive the people long.  N. B. –We advertise all who want a perfect likeness, and one that will never fade, to call at A. J. Beal’s premium one Dollar Daguerrean Gallery, No. 156 Broadway, near Liberty street, established in 1840.  N. B.—Wanted a first rate operator, and none other need apply, unexceptionable references required.

1853 August 19.  Semi-Weekly Tribune.  (New York, New York.)  August 19, 1853. Vol. VIII, No. 859. P. 1.

The Exhibition At The Crystal Palace.  XVI. American Art—Daguerreotypes.  If there be any one department in the whole building which is peculiarly American, and in which the country shines prominent, it is in that of Daguerreotypes, which are exhibited below stairs; and the collection, which is an extensive one, is made up of contributions from almost every section of the Union where the art is practiced.  In contrasting the specimens of art which are taken herewith those taken in European countries, the excellence of American pictures is evident, which is [to] be accounted for by several reasons.  In the first place, American skies are freer from fogs and clouds—from bituminous coal not being much used, the atmosphere of our cities is free from smoke, at least upon the Atlantic coasts.  Then the chemicals and processes are, generally speaking, of a more sensitive character, and the apparatus is more convenient and suitable than that of Europe.  Our little inventions come into play and aid in saving time and developing a good picture, and last, though perhaps not least our people are readier in picking up processes and acquiring the mastery of the art than our trans-Atlantic rivals.  Not that we understand the science better, but the detail of the work is acquired in a shorter time by us, while the enormous practice which our operators enjoy combines to render the daguerreotype art a necessary adjunct to the comfort of life.  Does a child start on the journey of existence and leave his “father’s hall” forthwith the little image is produced to keep his memory green..  Does the daughter accept the new duties of matron, or does the venerated parent descend into the grave; what means so ready to revive their recollection?  Does the lover or the husband go to Australia or California, and not exchange with the beloved one the image of what afforded so much delight to gaze upon?  The readiness with which a likeness may be obtained, the truthfulness of the image and the smallness of cost, render it the current pledge of friendship, and the immense number of operators who are supported by the art in this country shows how widely the love of sun-pictures is diffused.  Several thousand industrious artists and artisans are occupied in the preparation of very pure chemicals, as bromine, iodine, gold salts, hyperphosphate of soda.  Another class prepare silvered plates, cases, buffs, gilding, cut glass, and a hundred little addenda.  Then the manufacture of cameras and the grinding of good lenses is an important branch of the business; for without a camera having good lenses the best operator would fail to produce an image which would be distinct or saleable; and even with a good Voigtlander or Harrison camera, it requires great skill to focus the image; for, strange as it may appear, the point where a good view of the sitter is obtained is not the point best adapted for bringing out a good picture.  In other words the focus of vision and the focus of chemical action are not the same, and hence when we have the one we lose the other.  This is owing to the fact that it is not the rays of color on the solar spectrum which produce the image, but a different set of rays, viz: those of chemical action; and since this is the case, we submit the opinion that it is not possible to obtain a daguerreotype in its natural colors, as Mr. Hill and others have been trying to delude our operators into believing, and leading themselves and others by the [iguis fatuus] of plates tortured into iridescent colors by chemical oxidation.  But we are getting discursive upon this beautiful art, which was intended to subserve many other useful purposes than that of portrait painting.

Everybody known how difficult it is to keep silver from tarnishing, and that the action of the light is to destroy all preparations of silver.  Some of these are more readily acted on by light than others—are more sensitive, as it is termed.  Such are the iodide, bromide, and chloride of silver.  These salts cannot be kept exposed to the light for any reason, even a very short time, without undergoing some change; and when a plate of silver has a thin layer of iodine and bromine on its surface; and is placed in a camera, as soon as the screen is raised the image of the sitter falls on the plate.  The silver plate is acted on unequally, producing the effects of light and shade when brought out, as it is termed, by exposure to the vapor of quicksilver.  It is then fixed or prevented from undergoing further change, by washing it with a solution of gold.

To produce a daguerreotype picture there are five operations necessary.  The first is cleaning the plate.  This is the stumbling block of most operators.  They are not cleanly enough.  Several views in this Exhibition show that the plates were not well enough cleaned.  Never was a maxim more true than the old one, that “cleanliness is a virtue”—when it has reference to daguerreotyping.  The second the second is the foundation of the sensitive iodide of silver over the surface of the plate.  The third is the adjusting the plate in the camera obscura, for the purpose of receiving the impression.  The fourth is the bringing out the photographic picture, which is invisible when the plate is taken from the camera.  The fifth, and last, is to remove the excess of sensitive coating, and thus prevent that susceptibility to change under luminous influence which would otherwise exist and ultimately effect the picture.  The second operation is that which gives tone and warmth to the picture, and when performed by skillful hands makes a daguerreotype a beautiful piece of art.  The clearness and distinctness of the image is produced by the third process when carefully conducted, and the whole picture should be distinct over the whole plate.  These remarks will serve to illustrate the subjoined notes upon the collections in the Exhibition.

Mr. Lawrence exhibited a case in which softness of tone and distinctness of image are united with artistic arrangement.  The latter quality is specially noticeable in “The Three Ages.”  The mechanical execution of these pictures is unexcelled.  These pictures of Mr. L. were exhibited in London.  Mr. Brady’s collection is not very large, but there are a few very good pictures exhibited by him.  In Gurney’s collection the coloring of the background has a fine effect; there are some very well executed portraits, among which is one of Mr. Forrest, worth notice as a work of art: taken as a Whole there is less softness and more distinctness in this collection than in that of Lawrence.  The picture of Ware and his sister is an instance of a picture well developed when the chemical action extends to the margin of the plate.  D. Clark, New Brunswick, N. J., has four pictures of merit; and Van Schneidan a small collection of well-selected heads.  J. Brown has a collection of portraits of Commodore Perry and the officers of the squadron for the Japan Expedition, in half-size plates: the interest of this collection is much marred by the names of the officers not being attached underneath the plate; it is not too late to rectify this omission.  Haas has a whole-plate allegorical figure of a family man reading the paper at home—an excellent idea and well executed.  Besides this, he has a couple of other pictures, though on the whole his show is mediocre.  In the cases of Harrison & Hill there is displayed excellent artistic arrangement with very indifferent mechanical execution.  In the mammoth plates occupied by allegorical designs, the back-ground is wretchedly brought out—the plates were not properly cleaned, and are full of scratches; there are a few half and whole-sized pictures set in gaudy frames.

Webster, of Louisville, KY., has twenty-three pictures possessing clearness.  They have, however, been exposed a little too much in the camera; they lack warmth, but are otherwise well developed and exhibit good mechanical execution.  Alex Hesler has a collection of whole plates handsomely executed, possessing a nice arrangement of of the drapery, which has the effect of throwing the head out in good relief.  There is artistic arrangement in this collection, especially evinced in the picture “Driving a “Trade,” one of a series illustrating character and passion.  The panoramic view of Galena, Ill. Shows that city to advantage; and the three views of the Falls of St. Anthony possess great merit.  Mr. North, of Cleveland, O., has a case of pretty fail likenesses, perhaps exhibiting the lights too strongly.  Bisbee, of Dayton, O. exhibits a panoramic view of Cincinnati from Newport, upon six large plates.  This view is, without exception, the finest thing in the whole room; we might even go further, and say that it is the finest view by the Daguerreian process ever exhibited.  The mechanical execution is excellent, the perspective good, and the development unsurpassed.  The effect of the smoke over the southern part of the city is very finely given.  the distinctness of the letter signs, three-quarters of a mile distance and across the Ohio river, is well brought out.  The rest of the collection is fair, possessing no peculiar merit.  Williamson exhibits a poor collection.  Dobyn, Richardson & Co. have several whole size well-executed specimens, in which the mechanical part, the artistic arrangement and the chemical effect is good.  The “Cupid Reposing” is a very ungraceful picture of an ill-formed child, and the coloring is bad.  That of the Bateman Children, in character, is a good picture.  There are some exceedingly well executed heads in this collection.

Long, of St. Louis, has four frames of 180 heads of Wyman’s School, in that city, with the edifice and Principal; they possess no merit.  A likeness of Prof. Mitchell, Cincinnati, is well executed.  Some of the pictures in this collection are inverted with papier mache frames inlaid with mother of-pearl and tinsel.  As this style of frame appears in a few other collections we may as well here express dissent to the use of this material as being too gaudy and wholly unsuitable for daguerreotype plates. These latter are difficult to be viewed except in one light, and from the brightness of their surface, are much set off by deadened color on the frames, while the glare and iridescence of the papier mache add to the difficulty of discerning the picture; the use of such implies bad taste in the artist.  We felt this opinion growing upon us as we looked at them and found our view corroborated by a boarding school miss, who whisked alongside of us and caught by the colors, exclaimed, “Oh my! aint those “frames beautiful?”  Fitzgibbon has the richest exposition in the Fair—The most expensive frames with a large and passable collection.  The mammoth plate of Judge Colt is very good—That of Jenny Lind the best in the exhibition—those of McAllister, Julia Dean, Kate Hays, and Kossuth, are good pictures.  His collection of Indian Warriors, is a very fine one, which we understand is to be forwarded to the Ethnological Society of London, to have copies and busts made from them.  Masury & Silsbee, Boston exhibited twelve pretty and tasteful plates, with good arrangement and well finished.  The collections of Kilsey, Beals, and Howe do not require notice.  Whitehurst has a few good pictures in a large and passable collection; he has ten pictures illustrating the Falls of Niagara, which are very well executed.  Some of his large heads have their features out of all proportion.  Whipple of Boston, has a collection of photographic pictures, which he calls Crystallotypes, taken from Hyalotypes; there is a plate of the moon daguerreotyped, and one of the spots on the sun.  McDonnell & Co., Buffalo, have a very poor collection—so poor as not to deserve a place in the exhibition; the views of Niagara are fair.   Hawkins exhibits photographs on paper.  Drummond, eight plates of the order of Free masons in their lodge dress.  Fitzgibbon (already noticed) exhibits a very interesting case, which is a frame of electrotype copies from daguerreotype plates, very beautifully executed.  It should not be over looked upon as a mere curiosity to place a daguerreotype plate in a copper solution and take a copper cast from its surface by means of electricity: the copper cast looks much warmer in tone than the original.  It is to be regretted that Fitzgibbon did not complete this frame by the insertion of a third plate, by taking a second copy from the copper copy.  This would be in relief, like the original silver-plate, and is succeptible of being treated like an engraved plate; yielding, when inked, prints resembling mezzotint.  Besides the above collection of daguerreotypes, there is an assortment of cameras, lenses, stereoscopes and photographic paper, which are of interest to those practicing these beautiful arts.

1852 October 13.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  October 13, 1852, Whole No. 7286, P. 7.

We Advise All Our Readers Who Want a perfect likeness, and one that will not fade, to give A. J. Beal a call and get one of his newly invented enameled Daguerreotypes; they are truly beautiful.  N. B.—Price only $1.  Wanted, operator who understands an the art.  References required.

1853 October 26.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  October 26, 1853, Whole No. 7606, P. 5.

Strangers beware of Peter Funk Humbug Daguerreotype Galleries.—We advise all of our friends who want a perfect likeness to call at Beals’ and get one of his never fading enameled likenesses.  They are truly beautiful, and are only one dollar in a beautiful case.  No. 156 Broadway.  Established in 1840.

Beal, A. H.

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

N. D.-1853      86 Factory Island, Saco, Maine.

1854                Room over Hill’s Confectionery Store, Biddeford, Maine.

1853 February 8.  Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine.)  February 8, 1853, Vol. XXIV, No. 27, P. 3.

Not Premium Daguerreotypes.  The subscriber, grateful for the liberal patronage bestowed upon him by the citizens of Saco, Biddeford and vicinity, and induced thereby to establish himself permanently in Saco, has the pleasure of informing them that he has purchased the rooms and fixtures of A. H. Beal, recently fitted up on Factory Island, Saco, opposite the Post Office.

The rooms are new, and with the best of Apparatus are inferior to none in the state.

He would say to the public that he commenced the Daguerreian business in its infancy, and has been in the business longer than any other Artist in the County, having made it his constant study for ten years, and devoted much of that time to experimenting in the Art.  He also has a chemical peculiar to himself, and superior to all others, he feels confident he can make a Better picture than any other Artist in this vicinity.

Not wishing, however, the public to rely on his word alone he would be pleased to have ladies and gentlemen visit his rooms and judge for themselves, as he has no intention of deceiving by offering to Wager five hundred dollars that he can take a better miniature than any other Artist.

I have been in Saco and Biddeford, operating in my saloon, about seven months, and in that time have made about 1,000 miniatures, and should have no fears in submitting them to the test of comparison with pictures made by other Artist, not excepting Premium Pictures.

My rooms will be open for visitors all hours of the day.  A Lady will be in attendance in the receiving room to wait upon ladies who favor us with a call.  One and all are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens and sit for pictures, perfect satisfaction guaranteed or no charge made.

I have a large and beautiful assortment of cases, frames, and lockets.  Miniatures taken in all styles, singly or in groups, and in all kinds of weather, equally as good in stormy as in pleasant weather, and at prices that cannot fail to suit.

All kinds of copying done at short notice and in the best manner.

Miniatures taken of sick persons and corpses, at their residences.

Particular Attention Paid To Taking Likenesses Of Children.  A. M. McKenney.

N. B.  I wish to have it distinctly understood by all that I am not connected with any other rooms in Saco or Biddeford.  Be sure to call at A. M. McKenney’s rooms, No. 86 Factory Island, Saco, if you wish a perfect likeness.

Copartnership Notice.  The subscribers have entered into a copartnership this day, under the firm name of S. T. & A. M. McKenney, for the purpose of carrying on the Daguerreotype business.  Their place of business is on Factory Island, Opposite the Post Office, Saco, where they will be happy to see all those in want of Portraits.  A. M. McKenney, S. T. McKenney.  Saco, Feb. 4, 1853.

Advertisement ran from February 8 to May 10, 1853.

1854 October 17.  Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine.)  October 17, 1854, Vol. XXVI, No. 11, P. 3.

Mr. A. H. Beal, an experienced Daguerrean, has opened a Room over Hill’s Block, Biddeford, where Pictures warranted to suit are taken for the low price of Fifty Cents.

Possibly Alonzo H. Beals who was active in

1856                Opposite the Gardiner Hotel, Gardiner, Maine.[1]

1857                Address and Location Unknown, Maine.

1859-1860       103 Court Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[2]

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

[2] Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900.

Baulch, Mrs

Daguerreotypes, ,

1854                113 Bowery, New York, New York.

1854 July 12.  New York Daily Tribune.  (New York, New York.)  July 12, 1854, Vol. XIV, No. 4128, P. 7.

Arrest Of Daguerreotype Artists.—The following named persons were yesterday arrested on complaint of Thos. S. Jube of No. 83 Bowery, who charges them with practicing their business on Sundays, contrary to law:  Mr. Reeves, corner of Grand-st. and Bowery; Mrs. Baulch, No. 113 Bowery; Mr. Brille, No. 156 Bowery; Mr. Barkelow, No. 132 Bowery; Mr. Reed, No. 98 Bowery; Mr. Weston, No. 132 Chatham-st.  They were taken to the Second District Police Court and held for examination.

Mrs. Baulch was not recorded in the 1853/1854, 1854/1855 or the 1855/1856 New York City Directories.