An extraordinary and possibly unique quarter plate daguerreotype featuring a young boy seated on a checkered studio floor beside what appears to be a Labrador Retriever—an exceedingly rare and possibly singular documented photographic example of the breed from the 1850s. The child, dressed in a charming buttoned jacket and trousers, gazes calmly at the camera while his dark-coated companion rests loyally at his side.

The retriever’s build, expression, and position are all clearly captured despite the limitations of early photographic exposure times, a testament to the animal’s composure and the skill of the photographer. Labradors were virtually unknown in visual media at this date, and this image may represent the earliest surviving photographic depiction of the breed—or at the very least, one of the rarest.

Presented in its original ornate case with a richly detailed brass mat and red velvet lining, the daguerreotype retains strong contrast and detail, with only minimal surface wear and some tarnish along the edges. The composition, intimacy, and historical significance of the subject matter make this an important artifact for collectors of canine history, early American photography, or daguerreotype rarities. An exceptional and possibly one-of-a-kind survival.