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

The latest Cabinet card photos are from the period 1890 or later. Here are the characteristics to look for:

• Card Stock is quare, heavy weight card stock and may have Scalloped edges
• Card Colors were different  for face and back of mounts
• Borders  from 1885-1892 featured Gold beveled edges;from 1889-1896 featured Rounded corner rule of single line; and from 1890s on featured Embossed borders and/or lettering
• Lettering included embossed studio name or other embossed designs