Old photos on metal ?

[DebT]

Hi,
I know zip about photographuic history so would appreciate some assistance if possible.
I have a few old (late 1800 early 1900 I'm guessing) metal photos? (of family) The base metal is very thin and appears to be a very dark redish brown, the back is either this color with a semigloss sheen and on a couple the finish has lifterd to reveal a flat rust brown color - although it appears that it is not rust as it doesn't rub off ?
On the photo side, the old style family b/w is discolored but appears to have been laid as a very thin film, and in some cases there is a ridge or two, or a bubble forming underneath.
My initial guess is some type of very thin emulsion stuck on tin ???

Any hints appreciated
Deb T

[aim54x]

I saw a few of these come in at teh camera shop that I work for. I can tell you that you can scan these on a flatbed and some photochop work will mean that you can still get a recognisable B&W print off them.

I think they are emultsion on metal plate, the stuff they used prior to celluloid.

[DebT]

Thnaks for that - yes we have taken some copies off succesfully but really curious about what the origionals were
DebT