I collect photographs dating from the 1840s to the 1940s. I am drawn to these images as irreplaceable and almost magical glimpses into our collective history, time capsules of past moments preserved only on fragile glass and paper. These are not for sale. I’ve digitally imaged them here to increase the chance of their survival and to share them with others who may enjoy them as well. I’m not an expert, but I’ve identified people, places, and ages of the images to the best of my ability based on occasional notes on the backs, paper and printing, and on the contents of the images.
- Robert Beauford
1850 to 1860 Photographs
Cased 1/9 plate (2" by 2 1/2") tintype photograph, dating from about 1858-1859, portraying a lady with a very ornate hair decoration and gold hand tinted ornament at her neckline. The photograph is displayed in a smooth brass mat with a single stamped ornamental bead line around the beveled oval opening. The mat is held to the tintype with an intricately decorated brass foil preserver with reinforced corners, and this frame is contained within an embossed leather and wood case with a red embossed velvet insert. This combination of elements seems consistent with a year of origin around 1859.
Cased 1/6 plate (2 5/8" by 3 1/4") relievo ambrotype photograph dating from around 1859 to 1861 portraying a lady in a summer dress. She also wears two rings on her right hand. The photograph is displayed in an ornate stamped brass foil-like mat, which is held to the tintype with an intricate brass foil preserver. The latching hinged case is embossed leather and wood with a red silk facing pad in the lid. The relievo ambrotype technique involved the removal of all of the varnish except that which was immediately behind the subject, producing a relief (relievo) or floating effect, raising the image above the background. This photograph is produced on double layer glass. The wood and leather case is earlier than the photo, typical of the 1840s to early 1850s. It may have been reused. The relievo technique is most common from about 1857 to 1861, and does not pre-date 1854. The ornate stamped brass foil-like mats range from about 1859 to 1864. The woman's dress and hair are typical of the late 1850s. Combined, these elements suggest a date of about 1859 to 1861.