What are tintypes?
A tintype, also known as a melanotype or ferrotype, is made by creating a positive on a thin sheet of metal, rather than glass, with a dark lacquer or enamel used for photographic emulsion.
First introduced in 1853 by Adolphe Alexandre Martin, tintypes were used most widely in the 1860s and 70s but are having a revival in the 21st century. Originally used for portraits in photography studios, the process evolved into ferrotypists working out of booths and tents, as well as sidewalk photographers with carts and wagons. The lacquered iron support was resilient and did not need to dry, so it could be handed to the customer a few minutes after being taken. They also did not require a protective hard case like ambrotypes and daguerreotypes. This photographic process was one of the main mediums for documenting the American Civil War, which was the first photographed war as well. It lost commercial ground to albumen prints in the 1860s, but remained mainly as a carnival novelty.
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