An examination and explanation of clues to establish the
date of 19th century photographs.
This Weeks Photograph - February 20, 2012
Photo Facts
Photo Type:
Tintype
Size:
2 1/2" x3 1/2"
Sleeve
None
Front Imprint:
None
Back Imprint:
None
Photo Technology:
Tintype
About the Case Studies
Each week a new case study of a picture typical of old family photographs will be published.
These examples can help genealogists learn the skills that will help date their own photos.
An estimated date (if one was not available) will be given with a +/- number of years it could be. Dating old photos is a science that provides answers usually within 2 - 6 years of when the photo was taken.
Tintypes sometimes have lost their supporting clues like sleeves or holders. So fashion and tintype quality is sometimes the best resource of date information.
These ladies are all wearing a similar style of dress, which could hint that it is fairly current. The small, lace Queen Victoria-like under collar is typical of the mid/late 1870s. The dress is starting to reveal the clean lines of the 1880s styles with diminished lace and accessories. The bow is small, and soon disappears.
They still wear the popular key chain necklace. There actually is a key or other bauble at the end of the chain, tucked into a pocket.
Estimated Date: 1877 +- 3 Yrs
Late 1870s
Popular key chain necklace
High quality backdrop
Ladies hat
Click Here for similar 1870s pictures,Here for similar tintypes.
The flamboyant hat of the woman in the center is part of the 1870s styles also.
The high quality of this tintype is indicative of post-60s technology. This image has great tonal range and depth of field. Obviously an experienced photographer with the knowledge of the latest technology.
The backdrop is typical of the high quality painted scenes popular through out the 1880s. This could have been an early version.
You can become an expert at analyzing photographs.
Much of the information used to analyze this photograph is covered in the Identification section of this web site. In addition, comparison to similar yet dated photographs in the Gallery section will help confirm the estimates. Even greater detail, organized for this type of research is available in PhotoTree.com's books. Learn More.