April 17, 2024
Two RARE, circa 1870, large tintypes of cowboy
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These are two tintypes of a cowboy. I have chosen the 1870 date somewhat arbitrarily, but by the 1880s many photographers were using glass plates so they could make additional prints on paper. Tintypes, like daguerreotypes, were one of a kind. As you will notice, both have cracks in the emulsion but details are still quite readable. This cowboy must have been proud of himself and his horse to go to the expense of having two large pictures taken. It is unusual to find tintypes of this size (roughly 5"x 7"). For that reason they are always expensive. For those unfamiliar with the process, the photographer had to coat a thin sheet of iron with a light sensitive emulsion, take the picture, then process it immediately. Moreover, if people wanted more than one picture they had use a large camera with multiple lenses. Once the picture was developed it was then cut into smaller pieces, often what we would call "wallet size." In the years I've had these photos, I've often wondered about the story of them. Who was the man? Was he famous? Would we know about him today if we knew his name? Was he just a cowhand or did he own a ranch? If you think about the movie image of the old west he doesn't fit the image. His rifle is tied to the saddle, not in a case, his pistol is in a deep holster, not like those made for quick draw, and it isn't tied
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