Portrait of a Baby, circa 1865

Summary

Tintype photographs peaked in popularity in the mid-19 century. Lacquered iron plates coated with light-sensitive collodion were exposed in cameras by photographers in formal studios and mobile booths at fairs. Compared to other processes, tintypes were inexpensive and could be produced in minutes--"instant photographs" of their day. Durable and lightweight, Civil War soldiers carried them as mementos of home.

Tintype photographs peaked in popularity in the mid-19 century. Lacquered iron plates coated with light-sensitive collodion were exposed in cameras by photographers in formal studios and mobile booths at fairs. Compared to other processes, tintypes were inexpensive and could be produced in minutes--"instant photographs" of their day. Durable and lightweight, Civil War soldiers carried them as mementos of home.

Artifact

Tintype (Photograph)

Date Made

circa 1865

 On Exhibit

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

32.108.10

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Collodion
Iron (Metal)

Technique

Direct positive processes
Japanning
Sixth plate
Hand coloring

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 3.375 in

Width: 2.375 in

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