Rare and visually compelling quarter plate ambrotype featuring a printed diploma from the Virginia Mechanics Institute, awarded to William Kerr of Augusta County, Virginia. Kerr received First Class honors in 1854 for his exhibit of “Summer Whiskey” at the Exhibition of Articles of American Manufacture, held in Richmond.

The diploma is richly illustrated with patriotic and industrial vignettes, including an American eagle, early steam engine, ship at sea, blacksmith at work, and portraits of historical figures. Lettering is crisply visible beneath the glass, with signatures including that of the institute’s president and secretary.