For your consideration are six, gold-plated pocket watch cases with daguerreotype photos set in each circa late 1800s to early 1900s. An early type of photography known as a daguerreotype was created by Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre at the beginning of the 19th century. It is regarded as a crucial turning point in photography history because it was the first commercially successful photographic process. A copper plate must first be polished to a mirror-like finish before being sensitized with a layer of light-sensitive silver iodide, exposed to light in a camera (often for several minutes), and finally developed with mercury vapor. Daguerreotypes are distinctive because each one is a single image that is printed as a direct positive on the plate, creating a mirror image. They are well known for their extreme fragility and level of detail, frequently requiring protective glass cases. The cases appear to be gold-filled or gold-plated but have not been tested. Inside each pocket watch is either two or four daguerreotype photos showing either a man or woman, a young girl or boy, or a photo of two people together. The pocket watch cases are all various sizes and show different unique designs on the outsides of the cases. Some of the daguerreotypes have had their protective glass covers broken or are missing. Overall the cases and photos show good condition overall with some photos showing slight cracks. Some cases show slight fading from their age and use over the years. The cases measure from 2 1/4" L x 1 7/8" in diameter to 1 3/4" L x 1 3/8" in diameter. The collective weight of the cases and photos is 307 grams.