Daguerrotypes are photographic images which were among the first available to the general public. Popular from the late 1840's to the mid 1860's, these positive images are taken onto a plate of glass, therefore each one is unique. They were usually placed into a decorative leather case and cherished as family keepsakes. 

The subject matter in daguerrotypes is as broad as the imagination of these early photographers. Most of these pictures were portraits of everyday people. Many Daguerrotypes are called "occupationals" because they depict the individual with tools or the clothing of their trade. Another common dag is the "post mortem", as people routinely had their loved ones photographed after death but before burial.  

My favorite dags are outdoor scenes of the California Gold Rush. These ultra rare pictures are the only true glimpses we have into that pivotal moment in California history. Unfortunately these prized photos are so costly that institutions, historical societies and very affluent collectors are the only ones who can compete at auction. I have seen damaged and ugly dags from the Gold Rush fetch well over $10,000. If you want a clean, contrasting photograph with excellent subject matter and a recorded pedigree than you could pay $150,000 and up! I purchased about 100 of the finest know California Gold Rush daguerrotypes for under $50. . . in a book called Silver and Gold; Cased images of the California Gold Rush, by Johnson & Eymann. I highly recommend it.