An oval ninth plate daguerreotype, probably French, showing a bearded man and housed in a fitted oval leather case. The oval plate and matching case set it apart from the rectangular cased images typical of American work.

He is seated in three-quarter length, facing the camera with a direct gaze, his dark hair full at the sides and his beard closely trimmed. He wears a dark coat, a dark bow tie, and a white shirt with a pleated front and standing collar. One hand, its white cuff showing, rests on a patterned cloth at the lower left. Color has been applied to the face and hand.

The plate sits behind a gilt mat chased with foliate scrolls and bordered in rose velvet. The case is black leather with molded concentric bands on the lid, a red silk lining, and a push-button clasp.