How do I get a copy of a photo from metal????

[WHS1899]

My mother-In-Law recently saved a whole bag of old family photos from being thrown away, when her Aunt moved into a nursing home. Most are the old type on thick card, but one very old one is on metal. Has anyone else come across this, and how do I get a copy of it done? Would it mess up my scanner if I tried?

Beverley

[Emjaybee]

Try scanning, I have scanned my Dad's medals, they came out very well.  The platen on your scanner should be glass, so treat it with care, the thin metal should not scratch it but take care anyway.

Can you adjust the scan after it has been taken, e.g. contrast, brightness etc. It might be an idea to post the scan under picture restoration and see what the clever folk on there can do for you. I bet they would like the challenge.

I await yu results with interest.

Mike

[WHS1899]

Thanks Mike, I'll give it a whirl later. Silly question, how do I post a picture on Rootschat?
Beverley

[gig]

hi bev
at the bottom of the box you type in ie reply
it says in blue
attach a photo or image(and other options)
click on this
then 2 boxs come up at the bottom that says attach
and a button browse click this
this will bring a box up either my documents or desktop
scroll down to were your photo is saved
click on it that should place your photo in the attach box
then press post
hope this helps
gigg

[stanmapstone]

but one very old one is on metal. Has anyone else come across this, and how do I get a copy of it done? Would it mess up my scanner if I tried?

Beverley

It will be a Daguerreotype, 1839 to aprox 1870. See http://www.rleggat.com/photohistory/history/daguerro.htm

Stan

[PrueM]

It could be a daguerreotype (1840ish to 1850s), but unless it's still in its case/glass-fronted package, it would be so scratched you wouldn't be able to see much.  Having said that, if it is a daguerreotype, it's certainly possible to scan it, but be aware that ANYTHING touching its surface is going to leave a mark.  I have scanned a very scratched daguerreotype just recently and posted it below.
Is your picture really reflective, or more dull with a black back to it?    If the latter, it is actually a tintype - 1853-1930s.  There is some info about scanning tintypes here: http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,179610.0.html
They are less delicate than the daguerreotype in terms of surface fragility, but you still have to be careful of them.  Don't put any weight on either photo when you are scanning.
HTH
Prue

[WHS1899]

Gigg,
Thanks for that. I'll give it a go later...fingers crossed, I'm usually rubbish at attachments....

Stan,
Thank you too for the info..really interesting. The photo I have is of two ladies, and the clothes look really old. It will be interesting to see if we can get a rough date for them.

Beverley


Moderator Comment:  tips and hints here:
Topic: Adding images to Posting & Profiles
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,130922.0.html

[WHS1899]

PrueM,
I have it here,two inches wide by about 4 inches long. It has no glass cover, but I remember  the great aunts talked of a photo "on glass". I wonder if this is what they meant? The metal is really thin, and has a black back to it. The photo is quite reflective.
Beverley

[stonechat]

I have a picture that is apparently a tintype

It is in excellent condition, though The whites are more grey than white.

However Photoshp Elements brought it up well. The small card frame I excluded from the treatment.

You can see the result on my homepage
http://fp.cotswan.plus.com

I don't really know who the people are, one looks familiar from another photo, and I believe I was told years ago, that the baby was my grandfather, but I have no way of knowing

Bob