QUESTION

I am a collector of 19th century images. I have several resources on the subject but none I have seen so far address the problem of reproduction for the intent of misrepresentation of age. I know that most of the old processes can still be performed today (in fact, I have a current ambrotype of my husband!). But I would like more information about how to detect fake images that are being reproduced today. Some of them in my collection seem almost too pristine to be 150 years old -- how could I tell if they were in fact that old.

ANSWER

I wish I could be more helpful to you on this subject. I am a chemist but not experienced with thermoplastics. I would think that the key is in the chemical composition of the thermoplastics and the papers used. There have been so many changes in these chemistries over the years that I think aging could be determined by chemical analysis. Today there are forms of chemical analysis that are called "nondestructive," meaning that the method doesn't require the need to remove and consume a piece to analyze it. You might want to talk to some analytical laboratories or art conservators about this.

When framing a photo, there must always be a sealed air space between the photograph and the glass, otherwise the normal swelling of the gelatin layer will eventually etch it to the glass. Be sure that frames used are made of aluminum, stainless, or archival plastics. These products are becoming more common. A desiccant (such as silica-gel) can be used to bring the humidity of a print down prior to framing it. It is not recommended to use desiccants for archival storage as they can actually increase dust.