The tintype, also called a ferrotype or melainotype, is a photographic process developed in the United States in the 19th century. It became the most common photographic process until the introduction of modern film processing. This particular example is probably from the 1880's. It is a wonderfully preserved photo of a baseball player (unknown). He is posed, looking very dapper, in front of a country type background. The picture comes in a case (3-1/8 x 3-5/8") where the spine has separated into two pieces (very common for these items). The exterior is made of leather with the interior having crushed velvet on the side opposite the photo.