Mace O.G. Collector's Guide to Early Photographs

Wallace-Homestead Book Co., 1990. — 228 p.This one-of-a-kind reference guide provides invaluable information on identifying, cataloging, and valuing cased images to help readers succeed in the hot hobby of collecting and preserving 19th-century photographs. This edition gives prices for hundreds of photographs, and includes the latest improvements and trends in restoration, conservation, and pricing.Collector's Guide to Early Photographs goes beyond describing the basic types (categories) of old photographs. It provides entire chapters detailing the descriptions of each category and sub-categories of old photographs. There is specific advice regarding collecting each category of old photograph, as well as advice on which photographed subjects (animals, children, etc.) images are most rare / plentiful for collectors. Also detailed are the various markings used to identify the manufacturer of the daguerreotype plates, and the cases (small frames) in which they were mounted. All of which is important for identification of prized photographs in a collection. Also included is a listing of notable early photographers (ten pages long) whose work is of particular interest to collectors. There is rarely a page in the book doesn't include at least one picture / illustration of a category of photographs, photographed subjects, close up details of case markings, brass mats, etc. Approximately half the book is devoted to the non-paper based photographs (daguerreotype, ambrotype, and tintype) with the remaining half addressing the various paper based photographs.