Old Photo on Glass

There is a backing glass coated in black

click for very large size

see Top Hat examples for very similar hats

So I would welcome opinions on my conclusions

plus Can you estimate his age 

Do you think this man is in his late 50s

I believe it is William EAGLE an Historical Painter (Artist) who was born 1799 see 1822 William EAGLE marriage to Elizabeth Sinclair

But always a danger that it is a work kept to further this artistic painting on canvas see also EAGLE family old photo

see http://www.phototree.com/dating_ambro.htm

• Printed on Glass Back
• Common Sizes 
     1/6 Plate - 2 5/8" x 3 1/4"
     1/9 Plate - 2" x 2 1/2"
• Not Magnetic
• Always cased

The Ambrotype photograph was made by coating a piece of glass with silver solution and exposing this to the image.  The image is on the BACK of the glass and is sandwiched with another glass behind it.  The back glass is coated with a black substance.

Care must be taken to not scratch the back, dark surface, as you will scratch away the photograph.  Because the photograph is glass and very fragile, all Ambrotype pictures were mounted in a frame, usually brass, and then placed in protective case.

Mine does not have any frame etc - Mum left it wrapped in cling wrap