An examination and explanation of clues to establish the
date of 19th century photographs.
This Weeks Photograph - December 26, 2011
Photo Facts
Photo Type
Ambrotype
Plate Size
1/4 Plate
Plate Size (In.)
4.25" x 3.25"
Case Size
3.75" x 4.75"
Preserver
Stiff, Ornate
Mat
Engraved
Plate Material
Ruby Glass
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.
The 1/4 plate ambrotype is an unusual find, though not rare. The large image area allows for fine detail. The image is in exceptional condition because the original seal is still intact. This author has chose not to break the seal as this could lead to immediate damage to the image.
This ambrotype consists of two pieces of glass. 1) Top glass which the image was developed on the inside. 2) back glass, which in this case is ruby colored. This is one of the datable traits as ruby glass was introduced in about 1857.
So the actual photographic image is sandwiched between two pieces of glass. If they were separated, the image would very likely come loose from its original base.
Preserver and Mat
Both the preserver and mat are of medium weight and stiffness. Also the mat does not have reinforced corners to prevent breaking. These traits put the image before 1859/1860 when the brass became very thin and preservers had reinforced corners.
Estimated Date: 1857 +/- 1 Year
Similar photograph examples can be seen in the ambrotype gallery:
As mentioned above, the back glass is a dark ruby color, eliminating the need to blacken the back. Ruby glass was introduced in 1857.
Cravat
This wonderful and flamboyant cravat is typical of mid and later 1850s, although this one is much larger than seen on any other ambrotype.
Hair Style
This man's hair is typical of mid and late 1850s. The hair was let to grow almost wild around the sides along with a pompadour style, brushed high in the front, usually kept in place with much oil.
Summary
The ambrotype had a short life of popularity. Introduced in 1854, it saw great use until around 1860 when the tintype and cheaper paper phototraphs displacedd it.
Note the rosie cheeks. These were expertly tinted on the original glass plate.
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.