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Step 1
Establish the age of the photograph. Daguerreotypes were produced for a limited amount of time, only about 20 years, from 1839 to 1860. Tintype production had a longer run of about 40 years, with the first tintype being created around 1856 and lasting as a photographic method until the early 1900s.
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Step 2
Determine region. Tintypes were far more popular in America than daguerreotypes. Keep this in mind if you are presented with a photograph created in the overlapping years that the two were used.
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Step 3
Examine the image. Daguerreotype images have a magical quality to them that tintypes do not. If the photograph can only be seen at certain angles, there is a good chance it is a daguerreotype. These images also have mirror qualities to them. A daguerreotype will reflect items such as paper with writing on it if placed before the image.
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Step 4
Evaluate how fragile the image is. Daguerreotypes are extremely fragile while tintypes are the more durable of the two. Daguerreotypes are encased in glass to protect the metal plate from toxins and rough handling. These packages are then placed in a case. Tintypes are finished with a varnish. They varnish may crack but mostly are far more durable and cheaper than daguerreotypes. They often had a variety of casings from paper envelopes to frames
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Step 5
Examine the detail. Daguerreotypes provide more detail than tintypes. Of the two types, daguerreotypes are considered better quality.
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Step 6
Use a magnet. The surfaces of tintypes are made of lacquered iron in thin sheets. The iron used will attract a magnet. Daguerreotype images were made of copper, which does not attract magnets.
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Step 7
Go to a specialist if you are unsure. They can determine the type without damaging the photograph.
