Lisa & Others... The AIC has a wonderful site to aid in the search for conservators of cultural artifacts. Many good tips, facts, FAQs and links, too. They include a free referral service, if you should seek a reputable professional near you. American Institute for Conservation Home Page http://aic.stanford.edu/ Barbara & Others... City-Gallery has some wonderful aids to help identify photos. I've seen a lot of sites to this subject, but this one seemed far better prepared and had good links to further your research on this and related topics. City-Gallery.com - Popular History of Photography and Family History http://www.city-gallery.com/ I agree with Diane, that it may be wise to post them on a site, where more variety of opinions could be obtained, and where more security minded folk would be likely to view and try to help. (yahoo allows & accommodates this) Smile Kin === In a message dated 02/8/4 8:26:38 AM, VINTAGE-PHOTOS-D-request: << > From: "Lisa Wireman" <lwireman@neo.rr.com> > Subject: Old photos > > <snip> from about 1880. They both are on cloth, > and in bad shape. <snip> My question is there > any way to preserve and restore the originals?? >> == 02/8/4 8:26:38 AM, VINTAGE-PHOTOS-D-request@rootsweb.com: << From: Barbara Pridgen <bgp277@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: Dating Old Photos <snip> date them for me? <snip> some are probably from the 1840s and on glass and tin. <snip> email me at: bgp277@yahoo.com >>