An examination and explanation of clues to establish the
date of 19th century photographs.
This Weeks Photograph - January 23, 2012
Photo Facts
Photo Type:
Oversize Print
Image Size:
4 3/4" x 6 1/2"
Card Size
Trimmed away
Card Color
Natural
Card Border
None
Front Imprint
None
Back Imprint:
None
Print Technology
Albumen
About the Case Studies
Each week a new case study of a picture typical of old family photographs will be published.
These examples can help genealogists learn the skills that will help date their own photos.
An estimated date (if one was not available) will be given with a +/- number of years it could be. Dating old photos is a science that provides answers usually within 2 - 6 years of when the photo was taken.
This wonderful oversize cabinet card has something for everyone. Dog, young girl, old man, tricycle, and array of goods.
It was very popular in the 1890s to have one's business photographed, usually with staff. Some photographers advertised and specialized in this 'architectural' endeavor.
The photograph was probably mounted on a larger card, but has since been trimmed to the actual photograph. The original picture was probably 5"x7", possible mounted on an 8"x10" card.
The back of the card lists the location as "on Erie St. North back of Cornell Real Estate". Further description notes "Thru Erie St entrance of Crosby Shoe Store". The store is in Massilon, Ohio, near Canton.
The young girl's name is Grace Breckel, born February 1884 in Massilon, OH.
You can become an expert at analyzing photographs.
Much of the information used to analyze this photograph is covered in the Identification section of this web site. In addition, comparison to similar yet dated photographs in the Gallery section will help confirm the estimates. Even greater detail, organized for this type of research is available in PhotoTree.com's books. Learn More.