Carbon Object View
Support
Carbon prints typically have a paper support. Carbon transfer paper was commercially available and consists of a heavy paper support coated with hardened gelatin—this is the most common support. Photographers could also make their own in the same manner or use fixed out regular baryta POP paper. However, carbon prints could be transferred to a variety of rigid supports, for example porcelain enamel (photo ceramics), clear glass (lantern slides) or opaque white glass (milk glass).
Carbon prints typically have a paper support. Carbon transfer paper was commercially available and consists of a heavy paper support coated with hardened gelatin—this is the most common support. Photographers could also make their own in the same manner or use fixed out regular baryta POP paper. However, carbon prints could be transferred to a variety of rigid supports, for example porcelain enamel (photo ceramics), clear glass (lantern slides) or opaque white glass (milk glass).
What to look for: Paper support with a thick paper base. Photographic objects such as photo ceramics and lantern slides are also common. Less common objects bearing a carbon print include porcelain dishes, leather, wood, etc.
Image: Color/Tone, Quality
Carbon prints consist of pigmented gelatin, therefore any color could be used, and carbon tissues were manufactured in a wide variety of colors. Black, dark chocolate brown, and a purple/red-brown mimicking the color of POPs (ex. albumen) were the most common. Because the image consists of pigment, there will be no image deterioration.
Carbon prints consist of pigmented gelatin, therefore any color could be used, and carbon tissues were manufactured in a wide variety of colors. Black, dark chocolate brown, and a purple/red-brown mimicking the color of POPs (ex. albumen) were the most common. Because the image consists of pigment, there will be no image deterioration.
What to look for: Any color print—black, dark-brown, or purple-brown were the most common. The print will have no image deterioration.
Samples of pigment papers for carbon and carbro from The Autotype Company.
Common image tone for portraits, mimics popular gold toned POPs.
Formats/Mounting
Due to the thickness of the gelatin, which causes the paper support to curl, carbon prints are typically mounted to a thick card mount. Cabinet cards and carte-de-visites were common, however, they will appear in a wide variety of formats and on a variety of mounts.
Due to the thickness of the gelatin, which causes the paper support to curl, carbon prints are typically mounted to a thick card mount. Cabinet cards and carte-de-visites were common, however, they will appear in a wide variety of formats and on a variety of mounts.
What to look for: Cabinet card, carte-de-visite common, also various sized mounts.
Information Written or Printed on Object
Carbon prints were sometimes advertised on the mount as "permanent carbon prints". Information pertaining to the photographer or sitter may also be written or printed on the mount.
Carbon prints were sometimes advertised on the mount as "permanent carbon prints". Information pertaining to the photographer or sitter may also be written or printed on the mount.
What to look for: Information written or printed on the mount.
Studio information printed on the back of carte-de-visites