There are very few directories of 19th century photographers. Trying to date an old Cabinet Photo or CDV is complicated by this lack of any directory. I would like to point out some of my discoveries that MAY be able to help others.
1. Some of the old cabinet photographers were also involved in stereo photography. There was a list of stereo photographers in Iowa that I found on Google. It helped me locate some of the photographers I was searching in Iowa. Also, in a communication with the Michigan historical society folks, I learned that they are planning a publication of photographers.
2. The Ohio Genealogical Society has a book - "Ohio Photographers 1839-1900" and it is fantastic. It not only provides information about the photographers but also interesting articles about their business. The Bibliography also pointed to some very old books and catalogs used by these photographers. I found these resources on Google for free.
3. To try and find out when these photographers operated, search the Federal Census. You will also find their occupation listed in the census. It may help you to pin down the years during which they operated.

On a personal note, I have hundreds of Cabinet Photos and CDVs from Iowa and Michigan. I would welcome hearing from anyone who has information about these photographers. I have an Excel spreadsheet that shows the information that I have been able to glean on the photographers that I have been researching but that file type may not be uploaded to the board.