Category Archives: Tintypes

October 12, 2015

A working class young couple from the 1870s-1880s

By C.E. Ryan
1/6th plate tintype. Private Collection.

Working class couple. 1/6th plate tintype. Private Collection.

He has long, slender and tanned hands, and these look like working ones too, almost as if they should belong to someone older than him. This could be my imagination but the top of his head looks lighter, as if he worked outdoors a lot but wore a large brim hat. The young woman by his side I can only assume is his wife is resting her hand on his arm, and her white (cotton?) top is interesting; simple but nice, wrapping down over her skirt. It was accessorised with a pearl necklace, leaf brooch and belt. All this makes me think this was taken in the summertime.

He’s wearing a type of necktie/scarf popular of the 1870s-80s.

3 Comments   |  tags: , , | posted in Couples, Tintypes

September 29, 2015

All cozy and bundled up for winter

By C.E. Ryan

Bundled up on a tintype. Private Collection.

Bundled up on a tintype. Private Collection.

An affectionate trio posing all bundled up with their overcoats, a knitted fringed scarf and a blanket. Brr! The two in front with their pork pie hat on look like they may have been brothers, the older one with the mustache. I like that the third pal in cap is resting his hands on the other two’s shoulders. There’s a good vibe out of this photograph.

(That scarf reminds me of Hogwarts ha ha)

This tintype is a 6th plate yet is taller than average. It measures 2.5″ by 4″.

6 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Groups, Tintypes

September 28, 2015

Cute young fellow

By C.E. Ryan
Young hatted man. Tintype. Private Collection.

Young hatted man. 1/6th plate tintype. Private Collection.

A couple of weeks ago I stumbled upon a lot of 12 1/6th plate tintypes I acquired for $20 shipping included. This made my day! This cute teen posing for his portrait was part of the lot. He’s not wearing a collar or coat, his shirt sleeves rolled up. He looks unfazed, a bit bored or maybe just a bit uncomfortable in front of the camera. There’s no visible backdrop either.

7 Comments   |  tags: , , , | posted in Teens, Tintypes

September 5, 2015

Cross-legged on low chair

By C.E. Ryan
Cross legged on low chair. Tintype. Private Collection.

Cross legged on low chair. Tintype. Private Collection.

This young gent with a hint of a smile looks relaxed on this low chair. It makes him look tall. I’m not sure what the backdrop is supposed to represent, maybe a fireplace. The checkered flower design to the right is a mystery, a creative wall decoration most likely.

4 Comments   |  tags: , , | posted in Gentlemen, Tintypes

September 2, 2015

Student posing with book

By C.E. Ryan
Young man with book. Tintype. Private Collection.

Young man with book. Tintype. Private Collection.

This bright eyed assured young man is posing with a book in hands. He made sure the title shows, unfortunately it is unreadable! The book looks to be too thin to be a bible. I think he was a student or perhaps even, an author? I believe this tintype is from around the 1870s-80s. I got this one for a little above a measly dollar, a great find!

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