|
Card Thickness
|
|
|
Early cartes de visite were very thin cards. While most people do not have calipers to measure the small differences, with a
little experience, you tell the relative difference by hand. The accepted thickness and usages are:
|
|
|
|
.010-.020 inches (.5mm or
less) . . . .
.020-.030 inches (.5mm-.75mm) . . . . .
.030-.040 inches (.75 - 1mm) . . . . . .
|
1858-1869
1869-1887
1880-1900
|
|
|
General Rule: Thin is pre-1870
|
Card Corners
|
|
|
This is one of the easiest and most dependable dating techniques. Square corners dominated the cards until 1870. Then rounded
corners, much less susceptible to damage were introduced. Caution: Many square cards have been rounded through handling & wear. Look for
even, clear edges to decide if it was round or square. Also, some cards were hand trimmed by the owner. These rounded corners are
usually detectable due to their uneven trimming
General Rule: Square is pre-1870
|
|
Image Size
|
|
|
Early camera & lens technology did not produce large, sharp images. A small picture was much more forgiving. Just as when any
new technology is introduced, all photographers did not replace their equipment with the latest cameras at once. Therefore, overlap in
dating pictures due to image size can occur. But combined with other features, this can be very helpful. One concept to keep in mind:
well-established photographers in large cities are most likely to be on the leading edge of technology.
SAMPLES
|
|
|
|
Image Size: Less than 3/4"
Image Size: About 1"
Image Size: Between 1 1/2" - 1/3/4"
Image Size: Fills Complete Card
|
1860-1864
1862-1867
1865-1872
1874-1910
|
|
|
General Rule: Smaller is older. Dime size is pre-1865
|
|
Borders
|
|
|
While a little riskier to use as a definitive dating technique, it is still worthwhile to know the border styles as they evolved, particularly
in the later 1860s and early 1870s. The earliest CDVs had no border. In about 1864 a single thin line, sometimes 2 were used to
outline the picture area. In 1866 two lines, a thin inner one, and a thicker outer line became popular. In the early 1870s, much thicker
lines came into vogue, and then disappeared again later in the decade.
SAMPLES
|
|
|
|
No Borders
Thin Lines
Very Thick Border
|
1860-1863
1863-1869
1874-1880
|
|
|
General Rule: Thin borders pre-1868
|
|
Backgrounds
|
|
|
Until the late 1860s the background was either void or consisted of only a chair, small table, or other object which the subject would use to
steady themselves. Around 1870 decorative backdrops and props were used. These soon became used to the point of absurdity, but were quite
popular.
|
|
|
General Rule: Elaborate props/background is post-1870
|
|
Card Colors and Edges
|
|
|
Until the late 1860s the background was either void or consisted of only a chair, small table, or other object which the subject would use to
steady themselves. Around 1870 decorative backdrops and props were used. These soon became used to the point of absurdity, but were quite
popular.
|
|
|
General Rule: Color Card Stock & Edges after 1874
|
|
|
|
