Ambrotype

Ambrotypes were captured on a thick glass plate with a dark backing and mounted in a case like daguerreotypes. The easiest way to distinguish between an ambrotype and a daguerreotype is that an ambrotype always appears positive when viewed from any angle. Ambrotypes are also known for their portraits with milky white highlights. The glass plate might be clear or look dark purple, blue or red. The image is often chocolate brown to warm gray-black and you might also notice subtle hand-coloring.

• Dates: 1854 – 1880s
• Dimensions: A sixth-plate is the most common, measuring 2.75 × 3.25 inches. Other sizes include:
  • full plate: 6.5 × 8.5 inches
  • half-plate: 4.24 × 5.5 inches
  • quarter-plate: 3.25 × 4.25 inches
  • ninth-plate: 2 × 2.5 inches
  • sixteenth-plate: 1.375 × 1.625 inches
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