Tintype About 1870
(PhotoTree Collection)

Timeline:

Appeared: 1856

Peaked 1861-1870

Dwindled: 1872-1900

Characteristics:

Most common sizes:
1/6 Plate - 2 5/8" x 3 1/4"
1/9 Plate - 2" x 2 1/2"
Blackened iron plate
Early ones in cases
Many placed in paper sleeves

Made of iron, the tintype is really misnamed, as no tin is used. The early name was ferrotype, but the commonly used word 'tin' was probably understood by more people.

Tintypes are usually more difficult to date than other photographic examples. The tintype spanned a longer time-frame than other photographic techniques, and it was not easy to write on the surface. Unless it was placed in a case, or a carte de visite sleeve, there was no supporting evidence of its origin.

However there are some attributes to be aware of

Size of image
Thickness of metal
Size of trimmed tintype
Sleeve characteristics
Style & clothing in picture

Artistic Beauty

Most tintypes found today are of poor quality, a function of their cheap and easy production. However, a few photographers took real pride in their ability to create true artwork. Of course the beautiful subject helped tremendously.

This tintype is a 'Gem' format, measuring a mere 3/4" across. Yet the clarity and composition are superb. The artistic Cartouche CDV sleeve adds a well-deserved presentation to the photograph.

Taken mid-1860s

Variety of Mountings

Tintypes were mounted and displayed in many ways. The vast majority today are loose photographs, probably taken from albums over the years. This brass locket held a very well made brownish tin-type.

Lockets were popular but not are not widely found today.

The 'Cartouche' sleeve was a very popular method of displaying tintypes.

This paper sleeve, sometimes embossed, allowed tintypes of various sizes to be inserted into standardized sleeves (the size of cartes de visite) and displayed in CDV albums.