My very first video: Quick Photos Authentication Tip

[Runscott]

Well-done!

[drcy]

The only difficulty was finding a place with light that showed off the silvering in the video. It's more noticeable in person than on your apple computer screen.

I've learned in videos to just act natural. No pressure, because if you flub you can do a re-take.

And you hope the dogs upstairs don't start barking halfway through a perfect take.

[barrysloate]

Hi David- very nice video, and I learned something new.

There are photographs, I think early 20th century, that are called silver prints (I believe). That is something entirely different, no?

[Mark70Z]

David,

Thanks so much; very helpful video.

Regards,

Mark

[drcy]

20th century black and white photos are called gelatin silver prints. The 1800s albums also have silver in them. Silvering can appear in both, but it's less common in albumens. So the silvering happens in photos that use silver salts. Most 1800s paper photos are albumen and the vast majority of 20th century b & w photos are gelatin silver.

Albumen (egg whites) was the clear binder or glue that held the photochemicals to the photopaper. It replaced by gelatin.

Silver salts turn dark when exposed to light, which is how images develop and why silver was used in photos.

Other, usually much rarer processes don't use silver and won't have silvering even if old. Platinum prints (uses platinum), carbon prints (uses carbon), cyanotypes and others don't use silver in the photo paper.

Silver prints isn't really a good term for 20th century black and white photos, because 1800s albumens are just as much of 'silver prints.' Gelatin silver is the best term. Though some people say silver gelatin-- same thing.

[barrysloate]

Thanks David for your detailed response.

[ethicsprof]

I'm with Barry S on this one. Your precision is very helpful and most refreshing.

all the best,
barry

[koufax1fan]

Hello David:
Thanks for the great information. As a photo collector this will be very handy.
Phil

[jbsports33]

I watched and it was a very good fast tip for early photos

Thanks Jimmy