Posted 9 years ago
ItsAllAbou…
(1 item)
We collect all types of 19th century photographs, but mostly, Cabinet Cards, CDVs, and Tintypes. The attached pictures are but a very small example from our tintype collection. While I love these, I wish they included the photographers and their locations like most of the CDVs and CCs, since we use this information to construct a 19th Century Photographer database. I do have a question to ask of any others that may collect tintypes, which is - what is the best way to store these? Is it safe to use polypropylene sleeves or a special photographic archival paper and then to place in archival boxes? I have looked and searched the internet and can't find anything about proper storage of this type of material - but have been asked to pay a $75.00 consultation fee to receive the answer :-(. Is there any kind soul out there that can share some valued experience in this area?
I have heard that you could possibly identify a photographer based on the background in the tintype. Does anyone know of anyone that is willing to share this information? I would love to be able to identify photographers of tintypes!
Tintypes, for the most part, are somewhat sturdy yet should be stored in a controlled low-humidity environment in which the temp does not change dramatically. As with any silver based photographic image, they can be put on display but avoid direct sunlight. If the image is unmounted, handle by the edges or wear cotton gloves to avoid direct contact. Acid free paper is a good storage material. Avoid plastic pouches because the emulsion could stick to the material even with a low amount of humidity.
It's not possible to identify images based on the backgrounds. I have many early photographic catalogues that include massive listings of studio accessories. This means that any single tree, couch, chair, pedestal, backdrop (etc.) could have been sold to many studios.
Interestingly, some photographers pressed their thumbprint into the corner of a larger image while it is drying. Take a look at your tins and see if there is a fingerprint in the corner. It is a form of signature.
In your collection, do you have any uncut tintypes? I especially like those.
A few comments from another photo collector guy.
I have stored tintypes in archival sleeves (poly) for years without any ill effects. I have never encountered images stuck to poly sleeves. I have never had any humidity issues with tintypes. The poly sleeves do a great job in preventing scratching-- one of the biggest issues with loose tintypes. I am a dealer and collector and am looking for near term protection. If there are LONG TERM issues with poly, I am not aware of them.
MOST loose tintypes are anonymous and MOST cannot be identified based on the backdrop. However, there are some well known backdrops that can be used to identify photographers. Benton Barracks and Enoch Long comes to mind. There are other patriotic backdrops that can be identified to other locations (Gabled House in CS images/ Fort and Flag).
Additionally, I have used a CDV with photographers backdrop to identify a photographer of a tintype image from the same era.
Welcome to the site-- I look forward to seeing more of your images.
scott
No, I have never seen an uncut tintype until I just googled it! How interesting - so now I understand why so many tintypes are cut the way they are - thanks for mentioning those! I learned something new today :-)
FWIW ... here is a post I did of an uncut tintype group that you might find interesting: http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/82219-rare-uncut-tintypes-of-husband-and-wife
Also ... Scott brings up good points about archival storage. Admittedly, I have some tins in poly with no problems but my most important paper images are stored in acid free paper.
From Library of Congress website:
"... keep loose tintypes in polyester sleeves, or, if flaking is present, in paper enclosures."
Warnings are posted that high humidity may cause emulsions to stick to slick plastic.
Here is the link to the site:
http://www.loc.gov/preservation/care/photo.html
scott