A middle-aged man sits for this sixth plate daguerreotype, made by Frederick DeBourg Richards at his Chestnut Street studio in Philadelphia, most likely between 1848 and 1857. Richards was among the more prominent Philadelphia daguerreotypists of the era, active at multiple Chestnut Street addresses before transitioning to other photographic pursuits, and his imprint on the mat marks this as a documented studio production. The portrait conveys the formal gravity typical of mid-century American daguerreotype work.

The subject is shown in a half-length pose, wearing a dark frock coat over a double-breasted waistcoat, with a white shirt and a wide black bow tie knotted at the collar. His dark hair is combed back from a broad, angular forehead, and his expression is composed and direct. The oval mat is gilt, and the leather case exterior bears an embossed floral and scroll cartouche on the front cover.

Frederick DeBourg Richards (1822-1903) was born in Delaware and operated in Philadelphia from 1848, first at 144 Chestnut Street and later at 179 Chestnut Street, where he succeeded Montgomery Pike Simons. He exhibited at the Franklin Institute in December 1853 and was noted that same year as a manufacturer of stereoscopes, reflecting his broader involvement in the photographic trade beyond portraiture.

The gilt mat is stamped "RICHARDS" at the lower edge, with "PHILAD" also visible on the mat. The case interior is lined with crimson embossed velvet.

Property of a Palmer, Massachusetts gentleman.