I found a tintype among a group of old family photos--had it digitized and "cleaned up" so we could see the picture. I have no idea who the woman is but am hoping someone can offer some information on the style of clothing so I can at least establish an approximate date.

Well I hope someone posts something more informed than me, but my immediate thoughts were late 1850s or 1860s America.

Tintypes was invented in 1853 and introduced to the Us in 1856, so thats a sort of cut off point in terms of earlyness.

Just before the civil war (1861-65) there was a widespread fashion craze for zouave type costumes in the USA. This was then reflected in the civil war with many zouave units with fancy dress type uniforms forming up on both sides. I kid you not!

It strikes me this could well be something influenced from around then.

Have you considered the possibility that this could be a male?

Neil

interesting! I do remember reading about the zoauve fashion but when I look closely at this tintype I see a woman. She clearly has earrings but yet her face is somewhat masculine--she is quite grim--of course, many photos from that time were grim because it took so long to take the picture. Hmmm, a cross dresser or simply a flamboyant young man? many things to consider. thank you for the commentary.