An examination and explanation of clues to establish the
date of 19th century photographs.
This Weeks Photograph - November 21, 2011
Photo Facts
Photo Type:
Daguerreotype
Image Size:
2 5/8" x 3 1/8"
Case Size
3.5" x 3 7/8"
Case Material
Leather over wood
Preserver
Heavy
Mat
Smooth w/Etching
Photo Technology:
Silver coated copper plate
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.
This is a daguerreotype is a great transition example: from plain packaging of the early 1850s to fancier versions approaching 1860.
The preserver (outer brass frame) has slightly reinforced corners. Early preservers were very weak at the corners and broke easily. These corners are seen easier in the large version
The mat covering of the daguerreotype is made of smooth brass, with simple etching or engraving around the opening. This style was very popular in the mid and late 1850s. Earlier mats were heavy stamped brass, and later ones were decorative foil-thin brass.
Her dress and collar are very stylish from the lat 1850s, a wider form of the 'Jinny Lind' collar.
Date: 1858
A rare find, this daguerreotype included the date of Nov 15, 1858 written on the inside of the case.
Preserver with slightly reinforced corners
Smooth, etched mat
Collar and hair style support the late 1850 style.
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.