Help With Photo, If Possible Please?

[JPK Huson 1863]

Hope it's ok, I'm listing this in Civil War photos because if it's who I think it is, it has a lot to do with the Civil War, honest.

We have this weird hiccup in one of the generations in Dad's family where someone just, plain refused to pass along the information. Can't be too annoyed with her, who on earth knows what her life had been like as a child and why. She'd been left an orphan, it looks like she was raised affluently enough but who knows if some other torment may have been hers? Whatever the case, it's taken us an awfully, awfully long time to piece together a story which really has been right under my feet next door in Schuylkill County.

Does anyone have a guess as to the year/years ( range ) of this tintype? I'd had it as much older at first based solely on how beaten up the thing is- now think it's absolutely post-war, but when? What a GREAT hat! The man looks extremely like Dad, btw- and my grandfather, in photos of them at the same basic age. If it's who I think it is, he won't be of Mediterranean heritage, he'll be very tanned from working outside all day, every day. Boatman, canal man. And the baby on her lap, in the frilly dress? A boy, not a girl- perhaps the plain bonnet was her nod to that fact, thankfully.

Would like to make sure I'm not way off base, is the thing. Still would not make the call, just wouldn't waste any more time pursuing it, if the dates do not match up. Couldn't think of a better place to bring it, there's an awful lot of knowledge here, am awful at dating photos by clothing.

 

[Yulie]

Based on the sleeves and the hat of the woman, I would guess early to mid-1890s. That would, of course, assume that she was in fashion when the photograph was taken. The huge "Gibsonesque" sleeves were only fashionable for a couple of years mid-1890s. I am not too familiar with neckties, but that would be an indicator also.

Best of luck. At least you have pictures.

-Yulie

 

[donna]

A wonderful photo. Wish I could help. But know you will get answers.

 

[Frederick14Va]

Based on initial impression of clothing types/styles visible.. I would be inclined to place it in the 1895-1910 (ish) range as being most probable....

 

[Cumpston1862]

Perhaps this website maybe of help. I did not go into the sub-link but it says they have lots of dated tintypes in their "tintype gallery". That may help you put a more specific date by comparing the clothes.

http://www.phototree.com/id_tin.htm

 

[Littlestown]

The woman's hat appears to be a classic "settin' hen" popular in the 1890's. The ostrich tips in the hat, and the way it is sitting toward the front of her head, suggest mid 1890's. Her fancy collar signifies 1890's.

The man's hat also looks like a 1890's style. And the coat sleeves that are short enough to reveal the white cuffs - 1890's. I can't tell about the lapels.

 

[AndyHall]

I also go with 1890s. Ish.

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

Gosh, thank you, all the answers the same! That's hugely helpful. It does actually blow away my theory but it's extremely helpful, thanks very much! It's funny, I could spend a few hours tooling around web sites ( and did ) or bring it here, although had qualms since it felt like the indolent way. Please excuse!

I agree Yulie. Am extraordinarily fortunate to have this, feel blessed with what was left to my parents. Have a close friend who has one family photo- that of her father. I'm so flattened by this, I'm on a search for ' something'. Chances are I won't find a thing- just can't seem to get it into my head that's what she's destined to own forever and ever.

 

[rosefiend]

Could you show it to some folks at the Schuylkill County historical society or whatever they have over there? Sometimes you can find an old historian who can identify folks in old pics, especially if they were prominent families or were seen a lot around town. (We used to have one of these folks at the Andrew County Historical Society.) With the nice clothes they were wearing, it's possible they had some social standing. -- I assume the clothes are nice because I don't see clothes like this in my ancestors' pics from that period! But we are off in the sticks, too.

 

[JohnnnyReb]

I would have to agree, looks like mid 1890's to me.
"From about 1893 however, sleeves started expanding into a leg-of-mutton shape, which was tight at the lower arm and puffed out at the upper arm. Wide shoulders were fashionable and horizontal decoration on the bodice further exaggerated the line. Skirts were worn in a full-length, simple A-line. Masculine styles and tailoring were increasingly popular, and women sometimes sported a shirt collar and tie, particularly when playing golf or out walking. Hair was worn high on top of the head, in tight curls. Hats were small or wide with lots of trimming, but generally worn squarely on top of the head."

This seems to fit how this lady in the picture is dressed.

For the men the 3 piece lounge suit was popular and that is what it looks like he has on.