We just got in a collection of hundreds of old photographs, including several dozen tintypes. Tintypes were the first photographs that employed the use of props and backgrounds or backdrops on a consistent basis. The photo at the left shows that photographers in the 1870’s, might not have been considered artists as they are today, or at least artists with spacial perception issues. The kids in the photo all have looks of shock on their faces, perhaps it has something to do with the fact that the sky is also filled with a river and hills.
For the newest tintypes added to the Black Market Antiques inventory, check our Newly Listed Items page or you can browse all the tintypes in the tintypes category.
Normally Black Market Antiques does not give exact measurements of antique photographs, as most 100+ year old photos have pretty uniform sizes. This page should help you determine the size of an old photograph if you are not familiar with the different size terminology.
Tintype Photographs: Tintype photograph sizes are refered to the size of the photo in relation to the size of a full plate of tin (roughly 6 1/2 X 8 1/2 inches). So therefore the various plate sizes are as follows, but keep in mind, actual photo sizes may vary because of trimming. Some antique cameras also allowed the photographer to take photos larger than full plate size.
Full Plate: 6.5 X 8.5 inches
1/2 Plate: 4.5 X 5.5 inches
1/4 Plate: 3 1/8 X 4 1/8 inches
1/6 Plate: 2.5 X 3 inches
1/9 Plate: 2 X 2 1/2 inches
1/16 Plate: 1 5/8 X 2 1/8 inches
Gem: 1/2 X 1 inch
Ambrotype Photographs: Roughly same sizes as mentioned above for tintypes.
