See below for definitions of terms used.

Definitions:

Daguerreotype: an image produced on a silver coated copper plate. One of the first and most popular techniques. Perfected in 1839.

Ambrotype: a negative image produced on a glass plate, and viewed as a positive image by adding a black backing. First produced in 1851.

Tintype: a negative image produced on a thin, blackened, iron plate. It was introduced in 1853.

Carte De Viste (CDV): albumen (egg based emulsion) print measuring 3.5"x 2.5", and mounted on a card measuring 4.5"x 2.5" These became very popular during the late 1850s and into the 1860s.

Cabinet Card: a photograph that is apprx. 5.5"x 4", and attached to a cardboard mount, apprx. 6.75" x 4.5". Came into fashion around 1862.

RPPC: real picture postcard. A photographic image on one side and a postcard on the other. Postcards came into popularity around the turn of the Century.