An examination and explanation of clues to establish the
date of 19th century photographs.
This Weeks Photograph - October 10, 2011
Photo Facts
Photo Type:
Ambrotype
Image Size:
2.5/8" x 3. 1/8"
Case Size
3.5" x 3 7/8"
Case Material
Wood
Front Imprint:
N/A
Back Imprint:
None
Photo Technology:
Ambrotype on Glass
Special
None
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.
Ambrotypes were popular from about 1855 through the early 1860s. The tintype and Civil War influences hastened their end, due to the ambrotype's fragile nature - it was on glass - and many of the case materials were needed for the war effort.
Preserver
Mat
Personal Style
Preservers, the brass frame around the image and mat went through numerous style and material changes.
The reinforced corners and additional sculpting on the sides first apeard about 1858. The heavier corners reduced the corner breakage during assembly. Also, this preserver is fairly stiff to bend, as post 1860 preservers were usually foil-like and very thin.
The smooth mat with some fine etching or punches is indicative of mid and late 1850. Much cheaper stamped, highly decorative and thin mats were widely used in the early 1860s.
Her dress and hair style are typical of the late 1850s. Plaid, checked, polka dot, patterned cotton dresses were very fashionable during this time. The thin collar began replacing the much wider verison around 1860.
Estimated Date: 1859 +- 1 Yr
Late 1850s Ambrotype
Preserver is reinforced style introduced about 1859.
This style mat was widely used from the mid-1850s to around 1860
Her dress is very late 1850s, a860
It is safe to call this a late 1850s maybe 1860 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.