An examination and explanation of clues to establish the
date of 19th century photographs.
This Weeks Photograph - May 28, 2012
Photo Facts
Photo Type:
Cabinet Card
Card Size
4.25" x 6.5"
Card Color
Natural
Card Edges
Plain
Front Imprint:
Printed
Back Imprint:
Full Artwork
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 is a classic pose from around 1890. The software painted backdrop, and fake logs that two of them are sitting on.
The young women's dresses date to the turn of the decade 89-91. The slightly pointed shoulders with the sleeves still tight. Shortly after this the sleeves started on their path to becoming nearly balloon-like in size.
The many rows of buttons and the straight collar broach at the neckline was typical of the late 1880s and early 90s.
Confirmed Date: 1891
We are fortunate that the following notation was written on the picture: "This Picture was taken November 4th 1891". It is in period ink, and is likey authentic.
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.