Tintype Photography.

Tintype photography was a fast and easy way for photographers to "print" out their photographs on thin sheets of metal.  It became popular in the mid-1850s, lasting through the early 1900s.  

Most recently, a tintype of Billy the Kid was discovered and sold at an auction for $2.3 million.  The lucky son-of-a-gun-billionaire who fronted the millions for the purchase lives in Florida and said that he plans "on enjoying it and discreetly sharing it".  Wish he was my friend!  Check out the full Billy the Kid tintype article.

Anyways, what intrigued me most about this story was that when I was at the Alemany Flea Market in San Francisco, with my mom insisted on buying me one of those antique tintype photographs.  It's of two fellas sporting suits, ties, and mustaches, casually positioned in front of a backdrop of the famous Cliff House.  Isn't it neat?

I don't think that my tintype will be going for $2.3 million at an auction anytime soon, but I like having this little piece of history nestled in my shadow box.