Small Civil War era Picture Frames

[smf399]

Found these at an antique sale. I was wondering what they are worth. They are about 4 by 5 inches. I was told they are 1850s to 1860s

 

[BosnMate]

I have a frame like yours in a small hard rubber case, and also interested in the value, so will keep track of this thread.

 

[turtlefoot13]

It is hard to accurately id some "type" images from a single photo. That being said, they look like ambrotypes to me. The sizes you gave would indicate they are "half plate" images. They are common portraits (not military, occupational, unique poses, etc.). As for value, it will be different, in different areas of the country. Just looking on completed listings on ebay, comparable half plate images seem to be selling for $20.00-70.00. IF it were a group photo or if it had a "Union" style case, the price goes up.

If I had these images and were trying to sell them locally at auction, I doubt I would get $25.00. I might get $35.00-40.00 in an antique store.

They are great finds!
Doug

 

[smf399]

It is hard to accurately id some "type" images from a single photo. That being said, they look like ambrotypes to me. The sizes you gave would indicate they are "half plate" images. They are common portraits (not military, occupational, unique poses, etc.). As for value, it will be different, in different areas of the country. Just looking on completed listings on ebay, comparable half plate images seem to be selling for $20.00-70.00. IF it were a group photo or if it had a "Union" style case, the price goes up. If I had these images and were trying to sell them locally at auction, I doubt I would get $25.00. I might get $35.00-40.00 in an antique store. They are great finds! Doug

Even with the really ornate frames? I would think it would go for more

 

[turtlefoot13]

Even with the really ornate frames? I would think it would go for more

Virtually every "hard" image (common ones are tintypes, ambrotypes and daguerreotypes) had those frames (outside one is called a preserver and the inside brass is a mat). Where the value comes in the mats and frames is the way that some can date the images. Different styles were used in different eras. Some also have the photographer's name imprinted in them. Subject matter is usually the most important factor in value, along with image size and condition.

Here is an exploded view of an ambrotype (minus the case).



Here is one for a Daguerreotype - virtually the same with a different type of image. This one has the case in the exploded view.

 

[Lafitte Deux]

I agree with turtlefoot13. These are pretty common. I have a box of them and rarely get more than $15-$20.
Now if you had one of a soldier in uniform, that's a different story.