Chris,

I talked today to a nationally recognized expert in 19th century
photography who teaches courses at the Getty Center. He looked at the
jpeg of your object and he suggested that this might be a zinc
photographic plate used for printing. He also feels that the darkened
surface may be due to old ink that was left on the plate (this would
be a photgravure plate).

From what we are able to see in the image you sent both he and I feel
that this image is probably from around the 1890's - 1900 period.
Although it could be earlier - we just could not see much detail in
that jpeg.

You can check this by gently running your fingers across the surface -
if you feel texture then it is definitely a printing plate.

Also you can take water based ink and gently rub it on the plate to
resaturate and clean it so that the original image is more visible -
and since water based ink is reversible you can wash it off.

If this does turn out to be a plate then the image on it will be
reversed, of course, when you print with it. You may consider talking
to a printer and printing a few images off of it that you can then use
for exhibition.

Of course, the losses on the surface will always be losses, but you
can get the prints retouched once you make them.

Cheers!
Dave


On 5/24/07, Chris Goodlett <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> Hello all!  I have received the following question about photograph
> conservation from someone here in Kentucky:
>
>  "I attached a photo of a photo print block (for lack of knowing what else
> to call it) of the oldest known photo taken in Jeffersontown.  The metal, as
> you should be able to see, is rather corroded, and the picture is much
> darker than it appeared with the flash on the camera.
>
>
> Do you know any way to safely clean up such an item?  This is an important
> part of Jeffersontown's history, but right now, the picture is so dark to
> the naked eye that it is hard to tell even what it is.  I called photograph
> restoration places in the area, and they said no one restores such items
> locally.  I don't know if there is a safe cleaner for a metal print, or if
> it's best to just leave it alone."
>
> I know it might be difficult to provide any help without seeing the
> artifact, but if any of you are knowledgeable in photo conservation, your
> help is appreciated.
>
> Chris Goodlett
> Kentucky Historical Society
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