An examination and explanation of clues to establish the
date of 19th century photographs.
This Weeks Photograph - September 26, 2011
Photo Facts
Photo Type:
Tintype
Card Size:
2 3/4" x4"
Sleeve
Missing
Card Border
N/A
Front Imprint:
N/A
Back Imprint:
None
Photo Technology:
Collodion
Special
None
About the Case Studies
Every Monday 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 can be difficult to date, especially if they are missing supporting information like sleeves.
This tintype probably was delivered in a paper sleeve, which is long lost. The photo may have been in an album - the corners were clipped to allow easy insertion into album pages, and to eliminate sharp edges to cut one's self.
The larger image size, utilizing the whole plate was typical of the 1870s when lenses improved.
The women's dresses begin showing the bustle (not the hoop) which began flourishing in the 1870s.
The neck ware is typically of the mid and late 1870s, however the bottle curls of the younger lady in front was popular in the early 1870s - with younger, single women.
Estimated Date: 1875 +- 3 Yrs
Mid-1870s Tintype
Tintype with full image common in 1870s
The bustle and neck ware indicate mid to late 1870s
The stylish hair of the two lades (back) are late 1870s, the bottle curls usually from the early 1870s.
It is safe to call this mid-1870s, probably later part.
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.