How Do I Date a CDV?

Determine the type of process that was used to create the picture. CDVs were the first pictures to be created on thin paper and were the first that were easily mass produced. Before the CDV, the most common types of pictures were Daguerreotype, Ambrotype and Tintype. The Tintype and Daguerrotype images were produced on thin metal sheets. The Ambrotype was produced through the use of a glass negative and a black background. Because the CDV was the first to be produced on paper, it will be substantially lighter than the other three types.

Examine the picture case. CDVs will be mounted with decorated cardboard while older pictures are usually mounted with leather or wood casings.

Narrow down the year that the CDV was produced by using a caliper or bond copy paper. When using copy paper, six or fewer sheets of 20-lb. bond paper usually mean that the picture was taken between 1858 to 1869. If you can count seven or eight sheets of paper, the picture was taken between 1869 to 1887. Nine and 10 sheets of paper indicate that the picture was taken between 1887 to 1900.

Research popular clothing styles. Clothing styles within the picture are a good indicator of how old the picture is within a decade or so.

Look for photographer imprints. More ornate styles were often used after 1885. However, when in doubt, research the years that the photographer was in business.

Date the card or photo by color. The photograph itself was generally white or tan and was placed on top of a colored cardboard. Pictures were set on white cards between 1858 to 1869---and from 1871 to 1874 they were set on substantially thicker white cardboard. Gray, yellow, lavender, green and blue were used on 1875 to 1890 CDV backs.

Compare a variety of photos. It's easier to decide years and thicknesses when comparing multiple photos instead of just one. Visit a local museum or historian who might be able to help you more accurately decipher the year of photo production.