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The tintype has been invented by a french - Adolphe Alexandre Martin
(1824-1896) - who was looking for a solution in order to simplify the work
of plate engravers.
In 1853, working on the ambrotype process,
he decides to replace the glass plate by a black (or ) enamelled iron
plate covered with collodion. He obtains a positive image which can be
easily engraved and then printed. Martin notes in passing that the image
is attractive to the eye but he does not realise the commercial potential
of what he has discovered.
In 1855 Hamilton Smith
(1819-1903), who is a chemistry professor at Kenyon College in Gambier -
Ohio (United-States), is interested in the Martin's work and he decides to
reproduce the same experiment.
One of his students - Peter Neff Jr - understands immediately the
potentiel offered by this cheap process of images creation. He propose to
his professeur to organise the industrialisation of this process in
exchange for patent rights to the process.
Patent is issued in february
1856 under the designation of « Melainotype ». Later, another
student of the Kenyon college - Victor Moreau Griswold - decides to
compete with Neff in the production of enamelled iron plate. He decides to
name his product « Ferrotype ».
Like ambrotype,
the ferrotype plates are prepared with a sensitized collodion substance
coated on thin metal plates. These plates are previously covered with a
black enamel varnish. The obtained image is a direct positive one.
The process
was simple, fast, cheap, giving good results. Due to this, the Ferrotype
was an outstanding success which continued until the beginning of the
second world war in Europe.
The Ferrotypes
have been produced in different formats and presentations. In Europe, they
were presented in decorated paper frames. In the USA, they were mounted in
the same images cases than used for
Daguerreotypes or Ambrotypes. The invention of multi-lens cameras with
revolving backs allowed the production of tiny "Gem" tintypes, sold by set
of 16 and presented in CDV format.
Like the
other kinds of "hard" images, ferrotypes also could be hand-tinted and
even beautifully overpainted by skilled photographic artisans. Nevertheless,
this type of picture can be damaged by scratching and abrasion. A beautiful
tintype, perfectly preserved, is rare.
(ndlr : My friend Paul has the most exceptional Ferrotype
I ever see... The one of Mrs Cotton).
United States, c.1862, gutta-percha case "Monitor" United States, c.1910-1915 United States, c.1865-1868
Portrait of a young woman
Probably taken by an itinerant photographer M.. Babbitt (Father of Miss Matie A.Babbitt). Miss Matie A.Babbitt
Born in Delaware township, she get married with Charles E.Blodgett on January 5th 18?? at 11am.
Charles E.Blodgett
He get married with Miss Matie A.Babbutt on January 5th 18?? at 11am. Portrait of a woman
Probably taken by an itinerant photographer An American family from Missouri. Unusual format of 12 x 18 cm. On the back of the "Monitor" gutta-percha case is written "I.N HODSON. 1840 Aug. 24".On checking, this gentleman was never listed onto the muster roll of the famous Yankee battleship named the "Monitor".
From the collection of Jacques Postel From the collection of Jacques Postel Everett Chace
Son of James K.Chace and Lucy Nye.Chace
Husband of Sarah Howarth
Father of Lucy Alice Howarth Chace Scovil. World's smallest tintype (25x20mm)
Tiny size of tintype produced only during the 1860s. The portrait is enclosed in its own embossed brass preserver, and each measures only 2.5 cm tall by 2 cm wide.
World's smallest tintype (25x20mm)
Tiny size of tintype produced only during the 1860s. The portrait is enclosed in its own embossed brass preserver, and each measures only 2.5 cm tall by 2 cm wide. World's smallest tintype (25x20mm)
Tiny size of tintype produced only during the 1860s. The portrait is enclosed in its own embossed brass preserver, and each measures only 2.5 cm tall by 2 cm wide. Three small portrais of the same young woman.
Probably taken by an itinerant photographer
Portrait of a young woman
Probably taken by an itinerant photographer
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