GALLERY

He's handsome and has character. And he's right in your face, albeit with a friendly demeanor.

Handwritten in what appears to be period ink, inside the case: "Edwd Y. Buchanan 1811- 1895"

We cannot guarantee this identification, but we did find the following online and are providing it for your information. It tells us that Edward Young Buchanan was a brother of President James Buchanan. Again, we cannot verify the identification.

Rev. Edward Young Buchanan (1811 - 1895): "'Dr. Buchanan was in his 81st year. He was born in Mecersburg, Franklin County, May 30, 1811 and was a son of James Buchanan, and a brother of James Buchanan, President of the United States, who was 20 years his senior. Dr. Buchanan received his early education at Mercersburg, and at the age of 15 entered Dickinson College. He graduated with the second honors of his class... He was active in the work of the church in this diocese, and had been a member of different church organizations. He married Anne Eliza Foster... a sister of Stephen C. Foster, the composer of 'Old Folks at Home' and 'My Old Kentucky Home,' and William B. Foster, one of the first engineers of the Pennsylvania Railroad... Dr. Buchanan leaves one son and five daughters... Information obtained from State Library of Pennsylvania: Genealogy Collection, Pennsylvania Scrap Book Necrology, Volume 12, p. 112." (source: Find a Grave website)

SIZE. Whole plate. Whole plate and full plate are interchangeable terms and mean that the daguerreotype is 8 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches.

HOUSING. Very worn full case with a retaped spine.

CONDITION. Black spots all over the plate, especially seen in the background areas. Light scratches, which may be stray buff marks. A couple of dark marks next to his arm at left. Tiny ding on arm at left. Old glass replaced with hand-cut, high-quality borosilicate glass by Derek French. Resealed.

APPEARANCE. Very good contrast. Great size. Strong portrait.