Original Item: Only One Available. Everything about this image, including its presentation, makes it a splendid memento of the Civil War Era. This cased "Quarter Plate" (3.25 x 4.25 inch) tin type portrait shows three workmen in white uniforms with "Railroad" style caps. The uniforms they wear are quite soiled, suggesting they might be responsible for putting coal in the burner that fires the boiler. It's also possible that they are naval stokers. The image is clear and crisp, really a top quality example.

The image is behind glass held in an ornate brass mat loaded with intricate designs edging the tintype. It is contained in an embossed leather or paper covered case, with simple border designs on the front. Interior of the case is lined in red velvet material with decorative designs. The case still has the fabric "hinge" on one side, with two closure hooks on the other, and is fully functional.

Overall very nice condition, ready to display!

Tintypes, originally known as or ferrotypes or melainotypes, were invented in the 1850s and continued to be produced into the 20th century. The photographic emulsion was applied directly to a thin sheet of iron coated with a dark lacquer or enamel, which produced a unique positive image. Like the ambrotype, tintypes were often hand-colored. Customers purchased cases, frames, or paper envelopes to protect and display their images.

Primarily used for portraiture, each photo is a unique camera-exposed image and was available in the following standard-sizes. The most common size was the sixth plate.
- Imperial or Mammoth Plate - Larger than 6.5 x 8.5 inches
- Whole Plate - 6.5 x 8.5 inches
- Half Plate - 4.25 x 5.5 inches
- Quarter Plate - 3.25 x 4.25 inches
- Sixth Plate - 2.75 x 3.25 inches
- Ninth Plate - 2 x 2.5 inches