Are tin type photos valuable?

Collectors typically will pay between $35 to $350 for a good quality antique tintype in good condition. Tintypes are more common photographs of the Victorian era and thus, they are not as valuable as ambrotypes or daguerreotypes which are more rare.

What is a tin type photo?

A tintype, also known as melainotype or ferrotype, is an old style of photograph that creates a photographic image on a thin sheet of metal or iron that has been coated with a dark lacquer or enamel.

How old are tin types?

Tintypes, originally known as or ferrotypes or melainotypes, were invented in the 1850s and continued to be produced into the 20th century. The photographic emulsion was applied directly to a thin sheet of iron coated with a dark lacquer or enamel, which produced a unique positive image.

How do you tell the difference between a tintype and a Daguerreotype?

Tintypes, patented in 1856, are actually on iron, not tin. Unlike a daguerreotype, tintypes are not reflective. While you can find them in cases (like the previous two image types), most tintypes found in collections aren’t in any type of protective sleeve or case.

Can you scan a tintype?

If you have a tintype, you should make a copy to display so the original can be kept safely stored. You can either scan a copy or take a photograph of the tintype.

How do you tell the difference between a tintype and a daguerreotype?

How do you date a tintype photo?

Identifying characteristics: The thickness of the card stock, the color of its borders and whether it has rounded corners (1870s to 1900) or square corners (after 1900) can often help determine the date of a photograph. Many prints also included the name and location of the photography studio on the bottom of the card.

How do you tell a daguerreotype from an tintype?

Tintypes are attracted to a magnet, while Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes are not. The Daguerreotype image has a magical, mirror-like quality. The image can only be seen at certain angles. A piece of paper with writing will be reflected in the image, just as with a mirror.

When did they stop using tin types?

Tintypes enjoyed their widest use during the 1860s and 1870s, but lesser use of the medium persisted into the early 20th century and it has been revived as a novelty and fine art form in the 21st.