Date of use : USA

Excelsior Dry Plate Co. in 1880s American Photography

The sender information on this envelope indicates that it was issued by a company named Excelsior Dry Plate Co., based in Rockford, Illinois. Although we do not possess definitive records about the company, it is highly likely that it was founded sometime between 1880 and 1890.

Excelsior Dry Plate Co. specialized in the production of dry photographic plates, also known as dry plates. These plates represent a photographic technology that was developed in the late 1870s and achieved significant commercial success especially during the 1880s.

Dry plates replaced the previously common wet collodion plates, making photography much more portable, faster, and efficient. As a result, they provided great convenience for both professional and amateur photographers.

This item is documented as part of the Photography in Postal History research project.
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