An examination and explanation of clues to establish the
date of 19th century photographs.
This Weeks Photograph - July 18, 2011
Photo Facts
Photo Type:
Ambrotype
Image Size:
2.5/8" x 3. 1/8"
Case Size
3.5" x 3 7/8" Closed
Case Color
Black
Case Material
Thermoplastic
Front Imprint:
None
Back Imprint:
None
Photo Technology:
Ambrotype on Glass
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
Ambrotype
Preserver
Mat
Curls
This ambrotype was probably taken in the very early 1860s, close to the end of the ambrotype's life. They were more expensive than a tintype or CDV. Plus, the case, with its brass and glass was more expensive than the actual ambrotype image.
The Civil War contributed to the end of the ambrotype and cased images due to the shortage of material, and workers to make them. Many manufacturing processes were change to produce war materials. Of course a tintype was more durable; soldiers could carry them without fear of breaking, or easily have them taken and sent home.
Est. Date: 1861 +/- 2 Years
Regal ambrotype in an expensive thermoplastic case.
The ambrotype was popular from 1855 to early 1860s.
The thin preserver with reinforced corners, intricate artwork dates 1860 or later.
The foil-like mat with intricate stamped artwork is typical of early 1860s
The long bottle or sausage curls were popular among girls and young women around 1860
The Union case was made of thermoplastic, a mixture of shellac and wood shavings or sawdust. This mixture was cooked until it became a thick liquid that could then be poured into molds.
While unique and beautiful, it doesn't help date this image, as the Union case was introduced about the same time as the ambrotype.
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.
