First it probably is a copy, photographs on paper as a albumen print like this were not made in 1844. Photos on slivered metal called Daguerreotypes were, so this could be a re-photographed Daguerreotype, and this was often done. It does have the pose of one of those, but I am not an expert on these, only on the later photos.

The width to height is not similar to carte de visite photos (1859 0n), but more like a Daguerreotype or an ambrotype.

They were an expensive item in 1844, so unusual to have someone in working clothes, he must have been proud of his work.

So I would not rule it out, but get another opinion.

Regards

Roger