Tintype is a type of photograph made on thin metal sheets by creating direct-positive images. Pure, elemental silver deposited onto a dark or black metal with glossy enamel produces images that have extreme clarity and character. They were widely used in 1860s and 1870s.
Tintype photograph is also known as melainotype or ferrotype. Though, initially, they were made in photographic studios, later, it was widely used by photographs in booths and open air fares. Their sturdy and lacquered nature and the lack of drying process helped the photographers to develop, fix and hand over to customers within a short time after they were photographed. They were inexpensive too.