Thursday, November 18, 2010

Latest Finds with A Little History on Daguerrotypes



I'm fascinated by old pictures. Even more so when they come in these wee little, ornate cases with a velvet lining.

Daguerrotypes were created by Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre in France. The process makes a detailed image on a copper plated sheet with a thin coat of silver. No negatives were used.

The next part is a bit more scientific and tricky and I'm borrowing a snippet from the Library of Congress (American Memory) website:

The process required great care. The silver-plated copper plate had first to be cleaned and polished until the surface looked like a mirror. Next, the plate was sensitized in a closed box over iodine until it took on a yellow-rose appearance. The plate, held in a lightproof holder, was then transferred to the camera. After exposure to light, the plate was developed over hot mercury until an image appeared. To fix the image, the plate was immersed in a solution of sodium thiosulfate or salt and then toned with gold chloride.

I'm seriously wondering about that mercury and how dangerous that was to work with!


They were then placed in these neat little cases called the "Union Case."

Decorative and fancy, people probably really cherished these images. Something we take for granted today.

Dear Hubs went to an auction in our neighborhood area and found some really cool stuff, this being one of them.

Some of our other finds are below:

This brooch is gorgeous in person. The camera does't quite capture the essence of marcasite. Lovely sterling silver piece. Wear as a pendant or a pin.


Marriage vow book with the brides original copper nameplate... her name is imprinted on the plate ready to produce cards or stationery. I'm thinking the copper alone is worth the price!


This was one of my favorite pieces this week.
Sterling mother of pearl ring.


For the chippy/shabby fan....antique school books "Normal Mental Arithemetic."
Hmmmm. What would the abnormal math be like????

Sterling silver flower pin



Victorian die cut scraps and calling cards..great for crafters and paper/mixed media artists. I love the turquoise fan!


All (and more not shown) in our JUST LISTED category.

10 comments:

Connie Eyberg Originals said...

Wow, amazing finds. Love the photo. They intrigue me too. Take care, Connie

Ms.Daisy said...

Jillian,
That sterling ring is gorgeous! Love your new finds. Can't wait to see them.


Love,
Ms.Daisymau

MJ said...

I have never seen some of those items! The piece with the mercury is interesting!

gail said...

Hi Jillian-What a tedious process!
I've never seen the intact with the cover-love that! I also love the sterling ring.
Thank you so much for all your kind words and support. It really means so much to me!
gail

Unknown said...

Dear Jillian:
I have never seen one of these cases. I will have to be on the lookout for them now. Your jewels are gorgeous. The brooch and ring are stunning!
Oh and by the way, the thrift stores I go to are junk fests affiliated with the hospital. All proceeds go to the hospital auxilliary (3 shops). Anyway, there is absolutely NO rhyme or reason to the pricing on some of the items. Silver trays can run $10.00 and then Limoges or Depression Glass is going for a buck! LOL
Crazy but great for moi!
Roselle

roseroomnz.com said...

Such wonderful finds, am envious:) Thanks for the lesson on daguerrotypes - interesting! Rachaelxo

Rebecca said...

All the treasures are wonderful-I just love historical items!

BonjourRomance said...

Bonjour Jillian,
Just wanted to come by and thank you for following my blog, so glad you did because now I have found your beautiful blog. It looks like we have the same taste in antique items. I will check out your shop.
I am a new follower and will be back sson,
Good week,
Mimi

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