How to Collect Tintypes
Collectors of early methods of photography often collect tintypes, also known as ferrotypes or melainotypes. This method of photography, invented in 1856, remained popular throughout the 1800s. Tintypes grew in popularity in the United States quicker than it did throughout the rest of the world, where ambrotypes (which used glass plates) remained the preferred method of photography.
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Instructions
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Learn about collecting and caring for tintypes by reading books and articles on the subject such as "Tintypes" by Jane Hynes Bidaut available at Amazon.
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Decide if there is one type of tintype that you would like to collect such as those depicting Civil War soldiers, American farm life or portraits. Many collectors limit their collections to one category, while others add tintypes on any subject to their collections.
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Visit antique stores in your area and look for tintypes that would make a good addition to your collection. Make sure to let the store owners know that you collect tintypes and they will keep you in mind when they shop for their store.
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Browse online auction sites and antique stores for tintypes that you would like to own
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Attend antique shows. You might find a dealer that specializes in early photography methods. They may have tintypes that you are interested in purchasing for your collection. Let the dealers know, what type of tintypes you're looking for, and they will notify you if any become available.
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Scour antique flea markets and swap meets for tintypes you'd like to add to your collection. Look for dealers who might handle early photography methods.
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Join an early photography collectors club so that you could share your love of tintypes with collectors that have similar interests.
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Tips & Warnings
It is more difficult to date tintypes than other photographic techniques, because it was used for longer period of time.
