Featured ambrotype or Daguerreotype ?

Hi folks

found this in my friends house clearance shop
bought it thinking it was a ambrotype, but looking into it, think it might be an earlier Daguerreotype by the copper mounting and case

its all sealed and no way to look inside

quite a crisp clear image actually

probably no one in particular, but still interesting

hoping @Figtree3

might have an idea

any info or thoughts appreciated

 

That is so neat.

 

Cool isn't it pearls, love those little frames they came in.
Think there might have been a lid originally

 

Supposedly she had the biggest hairy mole known to man on her chin

 

Judging from your photos, it does not appear to be very reflective. Daguerreotypes are on a silver surface, and look almost mirror like. They can be difficult to photograph. It also does not have the crisp detail characteristic of daguerreotypes. So I suspect it is an ambrotype. Here is a diagram of the structure of early cased photos - daguerreotypes and ambrotypes:


https://www.nedcc.org/about/nedcc-stories/dolley-madison-daguerreotype

If you have a very thin tool or spatula, you should be able to insert it between the outer case and the edge of the first metal frame - the "preserver" - and pop the whole sandwich out of the case. Then you can look at the back, which may help confirm the type of photo. A daguerreotype will be on a copper plate (only the front was coated with light sensitive silver). An ambrotype will be on glass.

 

Yes, they were made with a hinged cover, like a little book.

 

There is also the possibility that it is an early tintype, in which case it would be on thin sheet metal (iron). Ambrotypes and tintypes are basically the same technology, using a collodion emulsion on a dark surface. Ambrotypes could be made on dark glass, or clear glass with a dark backing or lacquer. Tintypes were made on black lacquered ("japanned") sheet metal.

 

Thanks for the info 2mb

I'd be interested to get inside just to see, so will give it a try tomorrow

Had to photograph it at an angle as it was too reflective

All I can tell you is that it's definitely set behind a glass front

 

I'm guessing a daguerreotype would be more valuable right ?

 

Reading up on them daguerreotypes were very expensive things to have done, and primarily for the very well off, does she look aristocratic ?

 

I'd be thinking early tin. She looks like she's circa 1860 from the clothes and probably solid middle class.

 

Test it with a magnet. Don't break any paper seals if they are intact.

 

Luckily the outer copper part just pulls right out easily

Blackened back glass so definitely an ambrotype

 

The finest Ambros can be quite beautiful,with an almost metaphysical 3-dimensional quality.
Plus,thanks Charlie for giving me an excuse to post these 2 ex rare smiling dags.In-person these would be stunningly sharp & alive.
PS-NOTE-I don't own these,alas no 1 pound boot find here !
PSS-They look like they just walked off the set of a Masterpiece Theater shoot.

 

..and another (sorry)-

 

What a bizarre hat!

 

No worries mate I could look at examples all day long, keep um coming !

This is the one with a similar backing to mine which made me think mine might be similar

Check out the sold price as well
Interesting subject though

http://phpdev.cowanauctions.com/lot...-of-bare-knuckle-boxer-john-morrissey-4040218

 

This example had many unique features going for it - an extremely unusual and identified subject, also in very good condition.

 

Dag of Rome 1842,Stereoview Dag (Southworth & Hawes).
There were also of course erotic dags & stereos in the 1840's-50's.
Certain subject matter,rarity of image,composition,lighting,and pristine clarity of the image & plate condition count a lot.Of course the fame of the artist also goes into the valuation.