Bobby Mathews tintype (1888 uniform)

[Runscott]

My initial impression was based on the back - looks slightly pitted, and not as dark as all the ones I've seen. But it's hard to tell from a scan.

I thought it had been determined that the Vermont stuff was much more modern than 1902-20. It doesn't make sense to me that someone would have started forging tintypes and albumens during that period (1902-20), unless it was a hobbyist who was playing around with the old techniques. Not trying to be hostile or anything, as this doesn't affect me - just trying to give my opinion. I actually would probably prefer to find out that all of this stuff was legit.

[TNcollect]

Originally Posted by Runscott

My initial impression was based on the back - looks slightly pitted, and not as dark as all the ones I've seen. But it's hard to tell from a scan.

I thought it had been determined that the Vermont stuff was much more modern than 1902-20. It doesn't make sense to me that someone would have started forging tintypes and albumens during that period (1902-20), unless it was a hobbyist who was playing around with the old techniques. Not trying to be hostile or anything, as this doesn't affect me - just trying to give my opinion. I actually would probably prefer to find out that all of this stuff was legit.

No problem-- I wouldn't consider you or your comments hostile. It seems to me that there is a misunderstanding of what was determined about the "Vermont Find" and its actual age.

The link from post #9 (sgbernard) provides some information on the photos and the era of their production:

http://www.robertedwardauctions.com/...25.html#photos

Go to a few previous items and you will find the auction houses assesment on the Vermont Find. To summarize (how I READ IT): they (Robert Edward Auctions) felt that the photos of the Vermont Find were NOT from 1888. For this reason, they thought that an earlier auction resulted in unsupportable HIGH results.

Photographic documentation (paperwork and envelopes) from the lot were traced to a NY photographer who was in business, at an address on some of the paperwork, from 1902 until the late teens.

It was the feeling of RE Auctions and their consulted antique photograph experts that the items were from the 1902- early teens time period and SECOND GENERATION, although made from the original negatives.

I don't recall an explanation of the "WHY" they were made.

The auction results were in the range of about $1000/ image (lots with multiple images in one lot were divided to get a per image result BY ME).

From my conversations with the person who made the "Vermont Find", I believe that these were used for some sort of advertisement or display purposes in the early 20th century that the photographer (Wendel) was producing.

Of course the original glass plate negatives are out there (not sure where they ended up) and they could be used to produce additional images.

This tintype was purchased from the person who made the original "Vermont Find" and was one of a few photos that he didn't sell.

Scott

[TNcollect]

The above comment was based on my research and the research of RE Auctions in 2005.

If there has been any additional research or contradictory documentation on the "Vermont Find" in the intervening years-- I have not seen that evidence, but of course would be open to hear of it.

Thanks again for all the insight, thoughts and links provided by posters on this site.

Scott

[packs]

In my opinion (and just my opinion) the 2005 auction was an inflated price. I've seen these proofs come up for sale many times and they typically sell for a few hundred dollars.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by TNcollect

Photographic documentation (paperwork and envelopes) from the lot were traced to a NY photographer who was in business, at an address on some of the paperwork, from 1902 until the late teens.

It was the feeling of RE Auctions and their consulted antique photograph experts that the items were from the 1902- early teens time period and SECOND GENERATION, although made from the original negatives.

I was out of the hobby for a while, so missed all of the above - very interesting stuff. Putting a value on such items would be very tough. Generally when I have something like this, I just price it at a number that I could live with if anyone took me up on it...which means I get to keep it

If it's a very clear and well-composed image, on a tintype created from 1902-20, then I would personally value it around $200-300, unless it's a larger tintype, then it would be more. What's the size?

[TNcollect]

Originally Posted by Runscott

I was out of the hobby for a while, so missed all of the above - very interesting stuff. Putting a value on such items would be very tough. Generally when I have something like this, I just price it at a number that I could live with if anyone took me up on it...which means I get to keep it

If it's a very clear and well-composed image, on a tintype created from 1902-20, then I would personally value it around $200-300, unless it's a larger tintype, then it would be more. What's the size?

Thanks Scott.

It is about 5 X 7.

It is appropriate that it turned out to be second generation or copy image-- I am currently writing a book on 19th century copy images.

Scott

[TNcollect]

Thanks packs, I appreciate the pricing updates.

Maybe a function of skepticism due to the original negatives being out there?

Scott