daguerreotype repair

[thomasgeorge]

Good points, Sally. A quick and safe way to determine the difference between tintype and the others is the use of a small magnet. You can feel the "pull" when held over the photo in question if it is a tintype, even if it is still in its case...just be sure to hold the case/photo down..you dont want it actually contacting the magnet. Also, some Ambrotypes consist of two pieces of glass..the one holding the image and a glass "cover" plate. These were usually glued together with Balsam cement which, will crystallize with times passing and produce a dendratic pattern which is often mistaken for mold. Some were produced on dark glass, obviating the need for a dark backing material. Tom

[Ed_L]

Sally,

Good info for sure. One thing that I'd like to point out is that not every one of them is a mirror image. If you have the book "Conservation of Photographs", take a look at the examples of the ambrotypes. There are at least two (maybe three) where you are able to read signs or a book binder. I'm pretty sure that's where I saw it. Tom, you have the book. How 'bout checking that out for us?

Ed

[thomasgeorge]

I believe that the Ambrotypes are negatives, appearing positive because of the darkened back, done with either dark glass ( as the support) or black backing of some sort. I checked the book mentioned and a couple others but couldnt find the examples Ed mentioned. Will do a bit more looking. Tom

[Ed_L]

Tom,

Thanks for checking, but don't put yourself through much trouble. I'll be going to one of the larger libraries within the next few days. I'll see if I can find the book I saw that in. I noticed it right away because I wasn't expecting to see a now normal image. I'm almost positive it was in one of the books you told me about, but I guess I don't remember the name of it. Thanks again for your trouble. I'll report back when (if) I find it.

Ed

[Ed_L]

Tom,

Sorry for the mistake. I have "Conservation of Photographs" myself, and have had it for years. The book I found that in was the one that mentions the color dags. If you remember which book that is, take a quick look if you have time. Otherwise I'll make the trip to the library.

Ed

[thomasgeorge]

Actually, I apologise for not being quite clear...while the Ambrotype is an underexposed negative, by placing the dark backing material over the collodian image containing layer ( essentially "flipping"), the image appears as a positive..no lateral reversal, unlike the Dag.. This is possible because of the image support layer..glass for the Ambrotype vs. metal for the Dag and tintype. The Ambro's are actually a form of wet plate glass negative. Depending on which side of the plate the dark backing is applied to the image will be either laterally reversed or not, but will appear as a positive regardless. Just the lateral details are either correctly oriented or not. Tom

[bygonedays50]

Can anyone give me info on finding a company online where I am able to order repair tape for the fabric hinges on a union photo case? Thanks, SMP