The history of the Photographer is as follows, copied from Craig's Daguerreian Registry.

Also noted as S.H. Brown; daguerreian, Milwaukee, Wisc., 1848-1860. In 1848-1849 he was listed at 170 East Water Street; in 1851-1852 at 201 East Water Street, Martin's Block, third floor. He also advertised a stock depot with Harrison cameras, etc. From 1854 to 1860 he was listed at the same address, and noted in 1856 he had been in business since 1846, kept four people employed, had the largest gallery in the state, and the only place in town for premium ambrotypes. By this date he had moved down to the second floor. In 1857-1858 he offered instruction in photography for $25.00, and in ambrotyping for $15.00, and still had stock for sale. He employed J.P. Hawkins in 1856-1857; G.F. Parker from 1856 to 1858; and J.W. Johnson, 1858-1859. One obituary noted him as one of the pioneer photographers of Milwaukee. He apparently left the city in later years and moved East

The Gold Coin is not a Gold Coin. "Issued sometime in the mid to late 1800s, it's a gaming token (used like a poker chip) made in imitation of a British "Sjpade" guinea, a gold coin struck during the reign of King George III. It's not a counterfeit, since the details are sufficiently different, the date's nearly 20 years too early, and there's obviously no intent to deceive.

A rather interesting cache. The letter from Mr Bryant has been sealed in plastic. The case is split, and the dag is not sealed.