Dating a Tintype

[CS Ensign]

Any opinions on the date of this image? It's a quarter plate tintype, with no tax stamp. My gut feeling is that it's not CW time; late 1860s to early 1870s, but I'm not that up on changes in civilian clothing, especially tophats.

Thanks,
Greg

[John Pellarin]

Re: Dating a Tintype

Greg,

I think your dates are correct. I would date it ca. 1872-75. It looks like they were clowning for the camera. Nice find!

John Pellarin

[CS Ensign]

Re: Dating a Tintype

John,

Thanks, I actually wanted it for the dog!

Greg

[Boucher42]

Re: Dating a Tintype

I find dating a Tintype is a tricky thing to do, I never can get the folks to warm up to her. Yuck, Yuck. Nice photograph by the way

[Nathan Dodds]

Re: Dating a Tintype

I would have guessed late 1870's to 1880's by the mustaches and tighter trowsers.

[CS Ensign]

Re: Dating a Tintype

How about this one? Sixth plate ruby ambrotype, and judging from the fact that it's an ambro and the clothing and hair styles, I'd say late 50s - early 60s, what do you think?

Cool vest! Also unusual that these gentlemen are almost smiling.

Best regards,
Greg

[CS Ensign]

Re: Dating a Tintype

Oh and Scott, if I was going to date one, I'd make it this one!

[ScottCross]

Re: Dating a Tintype

There are a number of good books that can help in dating historical images, based on image type; format; and clothing of the subjects. I would recommend Welling's book Collector's Guide to Nineteenth Century Photographs; Reilly, Care of 19th Century Photographic Prints; Ritzenthaler, Archives & Manuscripts: Administration of Photographic Collections; and Severa's two books, Dressed for the Camera and My likeness Taken.

[Elaine Kessinger]

Re: Dating a Tintype

Mr. Walden- How lovely Mrs. W. looked in her youth... in the early 1850s. Have you persuaded her to sit for a photograph more recently? :-p

P.S.- the smooth pouf of hair over the ears switches to a roll away from the face as we get towards the 60s, the high bosom and conical shape torso would ease into a lower placed bosom and a more hour-glass shape as we get closer to the 60s, the mitts change over to full gloves (except in the coldest weather, and accompanied by thick, heavy coats, drapings, hoods or on ladies of significantly advanced years)... she is wearing a light-colored full dress with a smocking detailed fan-front bodice and open or 3/4 sleeves that have gotten caught up with her (probably silk) mantle or summer pelisse. I LOVE the coquette curls at her temple... very cute! :-)

[Prodical Reb]

Re: Dating a Tintype

Oh and Scott, if I was going to date one, I'd make it this one!

I don't know about dating that one. Looks like trouble! She looks like she has way too much Attitude! not to be trifled with!

[markj]

Re: Dating a Tintype

Here's a tip: if it's a male and his shoes/boots are visible, look at them first. Square-toed footwear is a good indicator of pre-1880's dating.

Regards,

Mark Jaeger

[CS Ensign]

Re: Dating a Tintype

Thanks to all for the suggestions. Thanks to Scott for the reference list; I use Dressed for the Camera, and I'll have to see the others.

Thank you, Mrs. Kessinger, for the analysis of the lady's image - what about this one? I'm thinking mid 60s, but bear in mind that she was British.

[CS Ensign]

Re: Dating a Tintype

For Michael - not to get off topic - how about these?

[Elaine Kessinger]

Re: Dating a Tintype

Mr. W.- Indeed this photo looks to have fashions of the late 1850s-early 1860s... Her sleeves are still rather large and the tiered skirts indicate late 1850s-early 1860s... lovely for a lady giving her hubby a photo right before he marches off in 1861. The amount of trimmings, fine fabrics, and jewelry indicate she has some means and is dressed to show that off.
...and there were plenty of Brits in America during the recent unpleasantness. I always enjoy the photos with furry friends.

With regard-
-Miss Kessinger