Beautiful 1850s Cased Daguerreotype - Two Young Ladies in Lace Collars

Beautiful 1850s Cased Daguerreotype - Two Young Ladies in Lace Collars
 
For sale is a lovely and well-preserved 19th-century cased portrait featuring two young women (likely sisters) seated side-by-side. Both ladies wear dark dresses accented with beautiful white crocheted or lace collars. Their hair is styled in the fashionable period manner—center parted and pulled back. The young woman on the right gently holds a white handkerchief in her lap. Their direct gazes and composed expressions are classic for early photography, reflecting the long exposure times required.
 
The image is housed in its original union case with a rich red velvet interior pad. It features a handsome gilt brass mat with an ornate scalloped (ogee) opening and decorative embossed scrollwork. The case shows honest age and wear, adding to its authentic character.