This Antique Ambrotype Photo with Gold Gilt Metal and Hand Tooled Leather Frame is in great condition. Frames that are missing the top lid are usually displayed by having a small hook screwed into the top so they can be hung on the wall. It measures 3 5/8” x 3 3/8”. The gold gilt metal is in good condition- also the metal frame is not attracted to a magnet so most likely ormolu or brass. A little history:
Ambrotypes were the brainchild of Frederick Scott Archer. An ambrotype is a direct imaging process with a glass support, collodion binder, and silver image. Ambrotypes are backed with a dark opaque material (e.g. black lacquer, velvet), which makes their negative image appear positive: dark areas appear so because the backing material shows through clear areas in the glass. Highlights of the image are comprised of silver particle deposits and will appear milky-white. Image contrast is low; tonal range is limited. Glass thickness can add a sense of depth to the image. The image may sometimes be slightly hand-colored. Like daguerreotypes, ambrotypes are almost exclusively portraiture. They are typically housed in miniature hinged cases made of wood covered with leather, paper, cloth, or mother of pearl.
Ambrotypes may display cracks and, in advanced stages, flaking in what appears to be the image. However, this is actually the dark varnish used to coat the back of the image emulsion on one side of the glass. As the varnish falls away, it reveals the negative image. This decay may be caused by a number of issues, but often high humidity and temperature spur this along. Due to their glass support, ambrotypes can sustain severe damage through breakage. The image surface should never be touched; and, similar to daguerreotypes, ambrotypes should remain in their cases or sealed packages to protect them from abrasion and pollutants. If the image surface is not varnished, the silver image may become oxidized by exposure to air. Care should be taken to protect the object from abrasion, light, pollutants, and humidity. Careful handling and storage must also be a priority due to the fragility of its glass support and casing.

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