
1860s-1870s tintype in frame. Private Collection

1/9th plate tintype in complete frame with back
Yours Truly, Jos Keller

1860s-1870s tintype in frame. Private Collection

1/9th plate tintype in complete frame with back
Yours Truly, Jos Keller

Three-quarter portrait on RPPC. Private Collection.

Cryptic message on front of RPPC. Personal Collection.
What would your reaction be if you received a postcard with this message?

1/6th plate tintype. Private Collection
1/6th plate tintype of a well dressed blonde boy with the stern expression. The contrast between the light and dark gives it a haunting, surreal quality.
Having your picture taken was an event, and the pose gives this child an expression of gravity well beyond his years. It wasn’t uncommon for children to pose like mini adults. This is a great example of the practice. A beautiful tintype.

2″ x 1.5″ tintype. Private Collection
Gem size three-quarter portrait tintype of a nice looking gentleman with a light-colored bowler (derby) and the sack suit buttoned at the collar to let the waistcoat (vest) peek through. It’s a bit dark on the scan so I lightened it up a bit for the blog. It does look fine when you look at it with your own eyes.
Gem tintypes were the cheapest to produce due to their tiny size, and naturally very popular from the 1860s to around1890. This one is between a 1/9th plate and the typical gem which is usually 1.5″ x 1.5″.