An examination and explanation of clues to establish the
date of 19th century photographs.
This Weeks Photograph - July 11, 2011
Photo Facts
Photo Type:
Tintype
Size:
2.25" x 3.25"
Sleeve
3" x 4.5" Paper
Sleeve Color:
Pink
Borders:
Scrolls
Front Imprint:
None
Back Imprint:
None
Photo Technology:
Tintype
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.
Past Cases
Front Side
Clues
Explanation
Bowler Hats
Large size of sleeve
Informal Picture
Est. Date: 1895 +/-3 Year
This is typical of a spur of the moment tintype from the 1890s.
The bowler hats were very popular among professional people in the 1890s.
This size photograph sleeve was used in resort, carnival, and casual photograph parlors. Also, the pink color was popular at this time.
Not an actual formal picture, one is holding his coat and umbrella, the other a newspaper.
This picture was actually documented. It was taken at Peak's Island, Portland, Maine June 25, 1893. Another outstation is "2 Stocks", which may be interpreted to be 2 Stockbrokers. They look like it.
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.