I know this is an odd question but curious on opinions...
For a Civil War era wet plate negative, that had been 'fixed' by the photographer, and was then lost in water (e.g. submerged in a river) - would it stand any chance of surviving? I have heard stories of plates being lost in water, discarded or when boats capsized. I was just curious how susceptible to the image being washed away. I know the sun can easily burn the emulsion away. I assume water/current would quickly do the same. Any thoughts?
For a Civil War era wet plate negative, that had been 'fixed' by the photographer, and was then lost in water (e.g. submerged in a river) - would it stand any chance of surviving? I have heard stories of plates being lost in water, discarded or when boats capsized. I was just curious how susceptible to the image being washed away. I know the sun can easily burn the emulsion away. I assume water/current would quickly do the same. Any thoughts?