Tintypes
The American Antiquarian Society's photograph
collection includes
over two hundred tintypes.
Tintypes, also known as ferrotypes or
melainotypes, were produced
from
the mid-1850s until as late as the mid-1930s. They were less
expensive
and more durable than either daguerreotypes or ambrotypes, and
quickly
became the most popular form of early photography. The image
consists
of a collodion positive fixed to a thin plate of varnished
iron. The name
"tintype" is derived from the tin shears used to cut the
image
from a larger sheet. Tintypes were sometimes placed in cases
similar to
those of daguerreotypes and ambrotypes to give them a more
expensive look,
but because of their thinness, they were more often placed in
small albums
or cut to fit jewelry. Though similar in appearance to ambrotypes,
they
are generally lighter, and will attract a small magnet. Sizes are
similar
to those of daguerreotypes and ambrotypes, but also include the
Gem or
Thumbnail Size of 1" x 1" or smaller.
- Jennifer Racine, Readers' Services
|
|
* Collection Inventory
For current information on the cataloging status of this and
other AAS collections, choose "Collection Access" below.
|
|
