It is often difficult to understand why someone would give away, or sell, their family photographs, and at times, harder yet to understand why someone else would buy old photos of people they never knew. The people who collect nineteenth century photographs are as diverse as the images themselves. “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure” is an adage that surfaces in all fields of collectibles, and antique photography is not immune.

It is important to remember that old photographs are sold both as antiques and art. Rare pictures almost always fits into the latter category, and more common images into the former. Knowing which is which requires some research.
 

However, many collectors are simply drawn to the subject matter – children are especially popular subjects. Others love the connection they experience with people, places and events of the past. Some look at photographs with the eye of an artist, marveling at the effects and quality of the images given the bulky, rudimentary equipment and darkrooms of the past.

As in all fields of collecting, some individuals buy with an eye to investing, hoping to cash in on a field that has been gaining in popularity over the last thirty years. In this instance, it is extremely important that the collector understands all they can with regards to technique, equipment, subject matter, and famous photographers. The field is so broad that many serious collectors specialize in one type of photograph. The following is a brief introduction to some of the types of images you can expect to come across:

Daguerreotypes: An image named after Louis Daguerre (1789-1851) of France who perfected the technique of producing an image on a silver coated copper plate. You can tell you are seeing a daguerreotype if your own reflection is seen in the mirror like background. Introduced in 1839, these are the earliest photographic images. By 1860, other new photographic techniques had taken its place. These photographs are usually encased in a book -style case made of molded materials or carved wood which protect the image from exposure to air and to tarnishing of the silver surface.

Ambrotype: this was a negative image produced on a glass plate, viewed as positive by the addition of black paint that was applied to the back. This type was invented by Frederick Archer of England, and was introduced in 1854. By 1865, it was passe.

Tin Types: (also called ferrotype, from the French word for iron: fer). A thin sheet of iron was given an undercoat of black Japan varnish. This allowed the image to be viewed as positive. Tintypes were introduced in 1856, and waned in popularity by 1867. This period identifies the era that tintypes were popular in cased images. In reality, tintypes were seen in many different forms as late as 1930! The subject matter will often give the viewer a good indication of actual age.

The three types above were often displayed in small hinged book- style cases thus are known as cased images. The style, material, and the cut of the mat surrounding the subject all give clues to their age. Some collectors specialize in these types of photographs only.

A person may choose to collect only early paper photographs. Cartes de visite translated as “visiting cards” in French were very popular in their time. Due to the increasing popularity and lower cost of the technology of creating photographs, many people could now afford them. Cartes de visites were the “poor man’s portrait” and they were exchanged freely with friends and relatives . They also account for much of the antique photos available today, and they are extremely affordable. However this is not expected to continue as more and more collectors learn about this fascinating area of collecting.

Antique photographs may be collected by photographer. Knowledge of early photographers in general, and in your locality is necessary, and research is in order. Collectors also collect photographic equipment or photo related advertising. Others may collect all accessory forms of photographs such as photos on metal buttons, photo albums and frames.

As you can see, the collecting of photographs is anything but limited. A good book for the novice collector is “The Collector’s Guide to Early Photographs” by O. Henry Mace. Thus “armed”, it is now time for you to seek out photographic treasures of your own.

Written by:

Johanne Yakula

From Times Past

12403 Stony Plain Road

Edmonton, AB T5N 3N3

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