Jade's Tintypes & other Antique Photographs

What is a Daguerreotype? They were made on a copper plate that was first coated with silver and other chemicals, then the image was placed on the wet surface. Louis Daguerre perfected the process in 1839 and it was popular up until around the 1850s. When looking at one, it will resemble a mirror. They were cased and often has brass preservers, because the chemicals would oxidize and ruin the image if not kept sealed behind glass and brass. Although not the first type of photograph created, it was the first commercial process. If you are looking to determine the difference between a tintype and a daguerreotype, hold up a magnet to the back of the metal. Daguerreotypes are not magnetic because they were created on copper.


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