Taking Apart an Old Tintype Photo Case -- What's Inside?

In this video, we will disassemble the case from an old 1850s tintype photograph, to see what it looks like and to clean the dirty glass. We'll be the first people to see inside in at least 160 years.
#tintype #photography #history
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[@ki-adimundi8695]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I recently bought a half plate tintype of a family portrait with 6 children and 2 adults in it’s original case for only €80. The glass was even dirtier than yours was, it was almost like milkglass so you were unable to see the picture. It shined as if it were new like yours does in the video after cleaning the glass. Thank you for sharing!!

[@cindymarasligiller2115]

Wow. Very interesting. Thank you for sharing.

[@kathysabo9703]

I have a small collection of antique cased photographs, some time ago I was thinking of how they have a lot to teach us...each of these was so intentional. Every detail. It might have been the one and only photo taken during the lifetime of some of these people. Just like we should be with our one and only God-given life! Thanks again, I've really enjoyed your videos!

[@Keithdotson]

Thank you!

[@suzieq0452]

Have an Old Album of tin types .Also the photos on glass in cases like you showed,I think what you call daguerreotype.Came down through my partner's grandmother's family. There is a wedding picture on tin of his great great grandparents. Still have what the family call "Marriage bracelets". Can see them in the picture.

[@Keithdotson]

Those are terrific heirlooms! I find it sad that families forget who people are and sell the photos in auctions or whatever

[@mbathrick]

Unfortunately, you did not show your method of disassembling the case. Can you show us how you do this?

[@terryolsen4244]

Always something interesting in your videos, Keith. I was wondering if this is a standard type of presentation of these old images. Or if perhaps this was a deluxe model? I assume the light-sensitive substrate (?) that actually has the image is very thin and fragile. The before and after is remarkable. Thanks for sharing!

[@Keithdotson]

I think all the tintypes were sold in cases like that, but they've been lost over time. My impression is that the pieces were all pretty standard so the photo studio could quickly and easily assemble them.

[@kathysabo9703]

Lovely video! What did you use to clean the glass? I have a few antique cased images that I haven't dared to clean. I won't touch the ambrotypes and certainly not my only Daguerreotype..but maybe the tintype.

[@Keithdotson]

I have found tintypes to be pretty resilient. I cleaned the glass with a soft cloth and just a small amount of glass cleaner. I gently wiped the tintype with a dry soft cloth, but didn't get everything off the surface. I didn't want to over work it. Thanks for watching!

[@tiffanybarrett1692]

How do you get the paper out? I have one that desperately needs cleaned but the paper gasket part seems to be glued in and I can't really separate it from the wood.

[@Keithdotson]

Yeah I’ve run across a few where they glued it. Be very careful or the frame will break. This may be bad advice from a conservation point of view but a carefully inserted letter opener might help break the gasket loose

[@brotherbarton1148]

Well that was fun. nicely done. At 5:29 I clearly hear a mans voice say, look at his map

[@Keithdotson]

I hear that! Good ear!

[@jasonpeck7297]

I got 2 photos from eBay it's just a man and a boy

[@Keithdotson]

Congratulations! But be careful it’s addictive. You may want to get more and more