Figure 1.--Early tin-types were packaged in cases like Daguerreotypes. There were also framing that had the look, but not the expensise look. This disappeared in the 1860s when Daguerreotypes were rapidly replaced by negative format. Put ypur cursor on the image to see the back of this tin-type which did not have an expensive case.

Early tintypes were placed in the leather or plastic (thermomolded) cases used for ambrotypes and daguerotypes. This was presumably done as it was the standard way to prepare photographic portraits at the time. Daguerreotypes were expensive and easily damaged. Thus it was a practical approach. When negative formats became available in the 1860s, Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes along with their cases went out of fashion. Unlike these two photographic types, however, tin-types did not disappear. This shift can help date early tin-types. Those with cases were probably taken in the late-1850s or early 60s. Some tintypes may be seen loose in their gilt frames (image packet) either to reduce cost or taken from cases. As the tintype customer demanded lower prices, the cases were dropped in favor paper folders the same size as the popular card photographs (carte de visite) because the case cost more than the finished photograph. Some were decorated with patriotic themes like Potter's Patent paper envelopes. Instead of a glass cover, the tintype image was given a quick coat of Japan Black lacquer (varnish) to protect the image and any applied tints. A German reader writes, "These cased pictures are beautiful. Seems they have have been more common in the United States. I rarely see them here."

Cases

Early tintypes were placed in the leather or plastic (thermomolded) cases used for ambrotypes and daguerotypes. This was presumably done as it was the standard way to prepare photographic portraits at the time. Daguerreotypes were expensive and easily damaged. Thus it was a practical approach. When negative formats became available in the 1860s, Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes along with their cases went out of fashion. Cases were not common for tintypes except for the earliest ones taken in the mod- and late-50s and early 60s. After this, tintypes normally came in paper frames. The exception was the very early tintypes. Tintypes appeared before the negative formats were available. At the time dags and ambros were delivered in ases. So early tin-types into the 1860s were delivered in cases as well. The advantage of a tintype was that it was cheaper. Thus the framing might be expected to be more basic. The cases we have seen, however, seem similar to those for dags and ambros. As best we can tell though, tin types may have often been delivered with just the frame and not the case.

Frames

We see different frames for tintypes. The earliest tintypes were prepared with heavy metal frames for protective cases. These frames were made for protective cases. The cost of the frames and cases was commonly more than the tintype. And as the tintype was not as fragile as the Dg annd Ambro, studios began to develop less expensive frames. We begin to see light-weight mtal frames, more like tinfoil than a heavy frame. Unlike Dags and Ambros, tintypes did not disappear in the 1860s. We soon see tintypes being presented without metal frames as the cases were not really needed. Rather we begin to see inexpensive paper frames. In many cases these frames have been lost so many surviving tintypes have no frames. As the tintype customer demanded lower prices, the cases were dropped in favor paper folders the same size as the popular card photographs (carte de visite) because the case cost more than the finished photograph. Some were decorated with patriotic themes like Potter's Patent paper envelopes. Instead of a glass cover, the tintype image was given a quick coat of Japan Black lacquer (varnish) to protect the image and any applied tints.

Country Trends

The presentation of tintypes apparently varied from country to country. Fancy cases and fames for tintypes was common in America durung the 1850s and 60s. We are less sure about other countries. A German reader writes, "These cased pictures are beautiful. Seems they have have been more common in the United States. I rarely see them here."

Chronology

The frames used for tin types can help to date them. Those with cases were probably taken in the late-1850s or early 60s. Some tintypes may be seen loose in their gilt frames (image packet) either to reduce cost or taken from cases. The frame here looks like an earlier one, perhaps taken in the late 1850s (figure 1). We nooe a similar frame from 1864 done as an oval at a Civil War camp. It was done differently at the back.

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Created: 4:21 PM 12/21/2006
Last updated: 9:50 PM 4/30/2009