Help Idendifying Tintype Age

[tmdreb]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

My very observant wife found this tintype in a box at an estate sale. I am quite clueless when it comes to female and youth fashions of the 19th Century, so I thought I'd ask if anyone here could date this image. I appreciate any help.

Moderators: If the image proves to be of a time period inappropriate to the forum, please do not hesitate to lock the thread. I am simply trying to get a grasp on when this image was taken.

[ElizabethClark]

Re: Help Idendifying Tintype Age

Given her clothing, I'd date it to the 1870s at the earliest.

The skirt lines are very slender, with 3/4 sleeves, and a ruffled neckline; could we see the back at all, that would also be helpful, but the image doesn't have the clothing clues I would expect to see in a pre-1870s image (clothing styles for children had a large change in the 70s and forward).

The latest I would date the clothing, based on the dress style, is about 1905--but the hair is early for that, which is why I lean toward an 1870-1885 date.

[tmdreb]

Re: Help Idendifying Tintype Age

Thanks! That's just what I was looking for. I figured someone on here would have the knowledge I needed to figure out that problem. I know I can trust your assessment.

[Robin G-C]

Re: Help Idendifying Tintype Age

The tintype girl is most likely early 1870s to about 1880 or '82. The photographer's chair and set-up are also common to the 1870s. Most later outfits for girls her age will have an identifiable, structured look that this one lacks. She is sweet, and a nice example of the period following the war.

Robin Gilliam-Crawford