The strangest thing happened while I was looking at the tintypes in this collection. I was setting up to scan one of an unidentified couple at a higher resolution (DPI) to bring out more detail so that I could write about it.
Since I had the scanner set up and the photographs at hand, I decided to scan all ten of the tintypes. One of them, the first one I shared in the post 52 Ancestors: #14 Albert Spencer LILLIE (1848-1913) ~ Old Photographs Saved From Trash Can, was glued to a card with writing on the front bottom and on the back.
When I wrote about this tintype in April 2015 (has it been nearly two years?), I had only the digital images I received per email from my cousin Joe. It was my first post using the photographs from his collection and I knew nothing at all about vintage photography.
With the actual tintype in hand, I noticed the card it was attached to was loose at the bottom where the name A. S. Lillie was written. I took a closer look, shining a light in under the plate. It was loose all along the edges. As I was handling it, the card seemed to barely be attached. I pulled the card away a bit and it detached from the plate.
The tintype must have been stored in humid conditions with the card. It appears to have rusted and gotten stuck and not glued on purpose. Once detached, I saw the card was actually a carte de visite.
Albert Spencer LILLIE ca. 1870
Photo type: Carte de visite (CDV)
Card size: 2 3/8″ x 4 1/4″
Card color: beige
Card edges: rounded corners
Image size: ca. 1 1/2″
Border: a thin inner & a thicker outer line
Front imprint: none
Back imprint: none
Photographer: none
Labeling: handwriting on back & front
Damage: rust from a tintype
Four different persons wrote information on the back of this CDV, which appeared to identify the tintype when I wrote the original post. In ink at the top: Albert S. Lillie. Directly below in pencil and very faded only the beginning of Albert can be read. In the center, again in pencil, A. S. Lillie age 22 yrs. At the bottom, in yet another handwriting in ballpoint pen, Isaac Lillie father.
Albert S. LILLIE (1848-1913) is my closest relative in this collection of old photos. He was the nephew of my 3rd great-grandmother Clementine (Gowing) DEMPSEY.
The border is a thin inner line and a thicker outer line and the corners are rounded. This as well as the size and placement of the image help to date the picture between 1869-1872. The image on the carte de visite is a young man identified as Albert Spencer LILLIE age 22 years as written both on the front and back. Born in 1848, this would mean the CDV is from about 1870.
Is there a method to remove the rust from the front of the photograph? Should I try using a razor blade to lift a little bit of rust from the outer part of the card – as a test? I would love to be able to see his whole face and be able to compare it with the other two photos I have of Albert.
While scanning the tintypes I made another discovery which I will share next week. I hope it will make up for leaving you hanging with yet another mystery to be solved. Who is the man in the tintype which was attached to Albert’s photo?
More about this collection, how it came to be in my possession,
and links to previous posts in the series can be found here.
© 2017, copyright Cathy Meder-Dempsey. All rights reserved.
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Perhaps you should consult another tin type professional before trying to remove any rust. They may have a better way of removing it than with a razor blade. Love your blog!
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I wouldn’t try to do anything with the tintypes. The rust I meant is on the carte de visite. I would have to talk to someone about how to clean it up or if it’s possible. The razor blade line was a teaser for anyone who has more expertise. Thanks for the compliment and comment, Andy.
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I know nothing of tintypes, lol. I don’t even know what a carte de visite is, lol, but I’m learning these things from you. Thanks!
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I didn’t know any of this either when I first started the series, Andy. I’ve only recently started adding the information on the photos, i.e. type, size, etc. You’re comment has given me an idea. 😉
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Great! I can’t wait to hear it!!!😃
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I don’t know about lifting the rust from the photograph, but what a wonderful find! It’s a shame the cdv is so damaged – I hope someone can help you clean it up a little.
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Thank you loobiloo5. I hope so too!
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I was going to say the same as Andy—consult an expert before you touch it. You certainly don’t want to damage it. But wow, what an amazing find!
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I was so surprised but then a bit disappointed his face is partly hidden. Thank you, Amy.
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How exciting to discover another photo underneath – the happy dance moment! I remember searching for help on a tin type once – hard to find knowledgeable people. But there has to be someone to help.
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Thank you, Jeanne.
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I really enjoyed this post. It got me thinking about a few pictures I have picked up at antique/thrift stores with limited id written. Im thinking of revisiting some of those mysteries to try and solve (not relatives but enjoy trying to find family of these treasures) Thanks for this post!
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I warn you, it’s addictive! Thank you, nwpaintedlady.
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What a find. You may want to try and connect with Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective, and see what advice she may have on restoring CDV. She has her own site where you pay for her time, but you could try submitting a request to her blog series on Family Tree Magazine’s website (http://blog.familytreemagazine.com/photodetectiveblog/) to see if they offer an answer while profiling the photo in that blog.
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Thank you, Michael. I tried emailing Maureen Taylor concerning another photo but never got a reply. Probably went to her spam file or overlooked.
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