Posted 6 years ago
themuse
(37 items)
These are the first batch of metal backed photos from the Topping Album, at least the ones that could be removed safely. They are a glossy print on a reddish metal backing, I assume is a tintype rather than daguerrotype even tho the metal back looks coppery. From what Ive learned they were first used in 1856? From researching the clothing and hairstyles it seems like these date to the late 1850s to 1860s?
The first one, a boy, is the younger image of the man in the flat black hat pictured with the second man in the straw hat. I think this is the oldest photo in the album as of now...Both are noted as being 'John Topping'. Ive been looking at hairstyles (over the ears vs close cropped), tie styles (cravate, wrap around, wide bow tie, not wide tie), lapel styles,height of waistcoats, style of hats...
Any date help is appreciated.
Both are tintypes. The process dates from about 1854.
MOST 1850s images were of a standard size (may be helpful to put measurements on your images) and cased. They will be found still in cases or with the residue (scratches or discoloration) of being cased and MATTED.
Neither of these show that, so I would date them as later images. The one on the left could be as early as the 1860s. The one on the right shows clipped corners, the tell- tale sign that it was originally put into an album (cut corners aid in insertion into paper album sleeves and prevent damage). That image is probably 1870s at the earliest.
scott
Thanks for your help! what was the standard size?
Here are the standard sizes that you will find for CASED daguerreotypes/ ambrotypes/ tintypes:
http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/dag/medium.html
Cases were made to hold these standard sized images.
In general, larger is better when it comes to desirability and values.
scott
Here is an example of what an early CASED image looks like:
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/99374-mourning-mother-ambrotype
The image is housed in a thermoplastic case (early composition plastic) and the woman in the image is holding a wood case. MOST 1850s- 60s images will be found in one of these type of cases. Some early images will also be found in frames (wood and thermoplastic).
scott