Business portraits became popular in the 1880s, mostly in larger cities..
Plain color back |
- Men's clothes & hats
- Blurry subjects
- Card border
- Back Imprint
Men's Clothes & Hats
There are a couple good clues here that put the photo in the 1880s.
It was very stylish for me to button only the top button of their coat at this time. I Have not found a reason for this, but is was done almost exclusively in the 1880s. Numerous men in the photo are exhibiting this style.
The other is the bowler hat. This hat style was most popular in the 80s, losing ground quickly as the 90s approached and then seldom seen after that.
Note: The case study from August 27, 2013 shows a group photo from 1889. While some hats are military specific, most other hats have the flat bill. No bowlers at all.
Blurry Subjects
A couple men and a boy moved while the photo was taken, and their faces are completely blurred. The later half of the 1880 decade saw 'faster' film available that would stop movement. The exposure time for this photo might have been a half to full second. This was the technology up to the mid 1880s.
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Est. Date: 1882 +/-2 year
See similar early 1880s cards here.
Card Border
The card border in this photo is very important. First popular in the late 1870s, this wide, solid gilt border disappeared by the mid-1880s. Card styles changed frequently from competitive market forces.
This border puts the photo in the early 1880s also.
Back Imprint
The back imprint does not offer any direct or specific clues. It is simple, indicative of early 1880s.
Extra Research
We did not conduct any directory research on this. However, if it was in your possession and was important to your family history, some research into Boston City directories would be helpful.
The dates when the photographer was in business at that address may be helpful. Of course searching for the store name might reveal some valuable information. |