American School, mid 19th century, pair of portraits depicting a gentleman and a lady, presumably his wife, both against plain dark brown backgrounds and unframed. 1st item: Half length, three quarter view portrait of a gentleman with dark brown hair and long sideburns, attired in a black coat and tie with jeweled pin and buttons and gold watch chain. Unsigned. 24" H x 20" W. 2nd item: Half length, three quarter view portrait of a lady with dark brown hair, attired in a pink bonnet and a plain black dress adorned with white lace collar, cameo brooch, and gold watch chain with jeweled ornamental fob. 24" H x 20" W. Both unframed, canvases are secured to stretchers. Both circa 1850.

1st item: Wax lining; some light buckling to canvas lower right quadrant in subject's chest area; scattered craquelure, a few very tiny flakes to facial area. 1" scratch in hair area. 2nd item: Wax lining; scattered light buckling to canvas; widespread craquelure.