8 Daguerreotype Portraits by John Plumbe Jr, 7 are in full cases.

John Plumbe Jr. (1809 - 1857) was a pioneering American photographer, entrepreneur, and daguerreotypist. Born in Wales, Plumbe emigrated to the United States as a young man and became one of the earliest practitioners of the daguerreotype process in America after its introduction in 1839.

Plumbe is best known for his extensive work in popularizing daguerreotype photography across the United States. He established a chain of daguerreotype studios in various cities, including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., under the name "Plumbe National Daguerreian Gallery." His studios were among the first to offer photographic portraiture to the general public, making it accessible and affordable to many.

In addition to his work in photography, John Plumbe Jr. was also an advocate for the development of the transcontinental railroad. He published pamphlets and gave lectures on the subject, believing that a railroad connecting the east and west coasts would greatly benefit the country.

Plumbe's contributions to photography include not only his own daguerreotypes but also his efforts to train and employ other photographers, helping to spread the art and business of photography throughout the United States. Despite his success in the 1840s, Plumbe faced financial difficulties later in life and eventually returned to his earlier profession as a civil engineer. He passed away in 1857, but his impact on early American photography remains significant.

Photographica