An examination and explanation of clues to establish the
date of 19th century photographs.
This Week's Photograph - August 27, 2012
Photo Facts
Photo Type
Boudoir Card
Card Size
5.25" x 8.5"
Borders
None
Back Imprint
Photographer Stamp
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.
We were lucky that this great photograph was documented on the back with the date – July 13, 1899 – and the place of Centerville, MA.
Documented Date 1899
Photograph is a size that was called a Boudoir Card. This format was perfect for large group pictures as it was much wider than taller.
Finding and researching small details in photos like this can lead you to some answers. This picture was documented. However, if it had not been, some clues in the photo help solve some mysteries. The soldier's hat on the left has the number '204'. This looks to be a newer hat than Civil War era, and he has the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) emblem on it - not a battle unit ID. With some research, Post 204 was found to be the local GAR Post in Centerville, MA.
In this group nearly everyone, women included, are wearing a medal, either from the Civil War itself or the GAR Association. This size card and format was called a 'Boudoir' card. The unique card size can be found frequently, but is more of a specialty offering. However, it was a perfect format for photographs of large groups. Click Here for Larger Photo
The woman's dress, in particular the shoulders and sleeves fit the late 1890s styles.
These hats and dresses are typical of the late 1890s fashions..
The members in front appear to hold a tray with a teapot and another round pot. These are possibly some meaningful items used in GAR ceremonies. This photo is full of so much character, the stories it holds are no doubt stirring and innumerable.
A special thanks goes out to Gena Philibert-Ortega for assistance with researching this photograph. She is especially knowledgeable of men and women's Civil War organizations such as the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) and the WRC (Women's Relief Corp). Visit http://philibertfamily.blogspot.com
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.