I have 3 small tintypes - slightly smaller than 2 1/2 by 3 /12. On of them is still fairly light and very interesting. The man is dressed in some sort of fur coat and has a hat on that together is reminiscent of pictures of the men during the "flapper era" with the raccoon coats and floppy brimmed hats. But I know this is older than that. It is shellacked like the other 2 and the color on the back is the same. The other 2 tintypes are much darker. Is there any way of lightening them or cleaning the surface? One had been in an oval frame and has markings from the frame and matting. I would also like to know if there is someway of dating them. When were tintypes likely to have been used? These 3 men are unidentified but given the fact that they were in family papers and a family photo album I must assume they were family. If I could date them in some way it would give me a good indication of who they might be given the family they came from. Thanks for any help. I am totally lacking in knowledge about photographs. Also... does anyone know of a website that might be helpful in dating photos based on styles of clothing? thanks for any help. Jo Hogle