Sixth plate daguerreotype of a man posed in a direct frontal portrait, shown from the waist up against a dark studio background. The format, attire, and presentation are consistent with mid-19th century portraiture. He wears a dark coat over a light waistcoat with a cravat, and a lanyard suspending a pair of small keys, identifiable as Phi Beta Kappa society keys, a detail associated with academic distinction.

The sitter faces the camera with a steady expression, his posture upright and composed. The keys hang prominently at the center of the composition, drawing attention against the lighter waistcoat. His clothing is formal and typical of the period, with the contrast between the dark outer coat and the lighter vest creating visual structure, while the plain background isolates the figure.

The image is housed in a gilt brass preserver with an oval mat richly decorated with floral and scrollwork motifs. The mat features a beaded inner border and dense ornamental patterning framing the portrait closely. No photographer’s imprint is visible.