Sixth-Plate Ambrotype

Sixth-Plate Ambrotype (1840 - 1855), 19th century portrait, vintage case, 2.75 x 3.25. Developed in 1851 by Frederick Scott Archer, ambrotype, or amphitype, hails from the Greek words "immortal" and "impression." These images were impressed on glass through a variant of the wet plate collodion  process. They required shorter exposure times than daguerreotypes and were more affordable to manufacture, two factors which contributed to their rise in popularity before the advent of the carte de visite in the early 1860s.

Pictured within one half of this vintage case is a rural scene featuring what appears to be a large 19th century home with three chimney stacks, nestled behind trees and a brick wall. The image is bordered by an embellished gold frame, and although the front cover is missing, the back panel features half of the original closure clasps.

In very good condition, with the front cover missing, silvering and darker areas around the edges of the image and the expected wear to the case.