"There are two other known Beard daguerreotype plates signed on the fornt in gold paint, one in the Royal Collection (as mentioned by Jason) and one in the collection of the Bodleian Library. Such plates are likely to have been made by Richard Beard…"
"Hi William,
The 1840 camera is a Wolcott Reflecting Apparatus, an American invention that incorporates a mirror rather than a lens.
I hadn't heard of the 'pivoting mirror' camera and would be keen to learn more.
best wishes,
geoff"