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The Kodak camera was introduced in 1888 with the slogan of "You press the button - we do the rest". After taking all the pictures you would mail the camera to Kodak, they would develop and print the pictures, load it with new film, and send the pictures and camera back to you.
There are a couple stories as to why the pictures were round. One is the inexpensive Kodak lens did not produce good results at the corners, they were dark and blurry. So strictly for aesthetics the photo was printed round, eliminating the corners.
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- Card Type
- Image Format
- Girl's Clothes
The Photograph
Sometimes you may have a photograph that seems mundane or even bad quality. However, it is possible you have a piece of valuable history beyond what family meaning it has.
If you possess any photographs such as this round image, you may have a piece of history - and it is valuable.
This photograph is an early 1890s Kodak print, one of the first consumer photographs. The first distinguishing characteristic is the round print. The perfectly round shape is indicative of prints from the first Kodak cameras. Some images from early-1900 photos and postcards exhibit this also. But if mounted on a card of this type and style, it is most likely from the early 1890s.
These images, even if poor quality, sell for $100 or more on auction sites. Just for reference, a similar subject on a cabinet card of the era sells for $4, maybe.
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Est. Date: 1890 +/- 2 Years
Girl's Clothes
This photograph is not a high quality image, but the main characteristics of the subject can be seen.
The little girl's dress is typical of early to mid-1890s style, with the loose sleeves and shoulders.
This picture was taken outdoors, probably with the camera held in the hand of the photographer - one of the first snapshots taken.
This graphic is from the cover of an 1888 Kodak brochure. Notice the similar camera artwork in the label on the back of the photo. |
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Kodak Style
George Eastman was not afraid to venture from the mundane and everyday look. His wallpaper-like artwork on the back was unlike any other of the time.
See this great 1888 Kodak ad. |
The Eastman Company
The Eastman Company (as in the above label) was formed in 1889, renamed from the Eastman Dry Plate Company. So it is fair to say this print was made in 1889 or later.
Soon after, in 1892, the company name was changed to the Eastman Kodak Company. Isn't recorded history marvelous and helpful? One could argue that the older Eastman Company cards were used after 1892, but not for long. George Eastman was such a master of business and marketing, he probably did not allow outdated cards to be used for very long. So, it is fair to say this card and picture were produced between 1888 and 1892.
The camera image in the label is the original Kodak camera, and the artwork is nearly the same as that used on an 1888 brochure cover.
A wonderful time line, which includes the company information above, can be found at this Kodak website. |
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