Dating cabinet photos depends on characteristics like the card stock use, the type of paper and decoration.

The earliest Cabinet card photos  are from the period 1866-1880. Here are the characteristics to look for:

• Card Stock is square, a lightweight mount
• Card Colors were white, off white or light cream in a thin,light weight card stock.
• Borders were red or gold rules, single or double lines.
• Lettering included the photographer name and address often printed small and neatly just below the image and/or studio name printed small on the back.  Large ornate text for photographer name came in in 1880.