Need help dating photos

[OldSarge79]

I have two unidentified family photos from the second half of the 1800's, one of which I SUSPECT could be one of my Confederate ancestors. Any help putting an approximate date to these photos, based on clothing style, hair style or something else would be greatly appreciated, as it could narrow the possibilities.

 

[Northern Light]

From the style of the women clothing, I would suggest that they are at least from the 1880s.

 

[Northern Light]

If you look at these outfits from the 1890s, you can see the similar puffy gather sleeves at the point they are set into the bodice and also the high collars.

Also notice how the hair is becoming softer across the forehead.

 

[OldSarge79]

From the style of the women clothing, I would suggest that they are at least from the 1880s.

How likely would you say they are actually 1880's? Is it possible either one could be 1890's?

 

[Northern Light]

See my previous post.

 

[OldSarge79]

Thanks. That definitely fits with the photo. Have you ever seen what looks like "wings" coming out from the back of the neck?

 

[Northern Light]

Thanks. That definitely fits with the photo. Have you ever seen what looks like "wings" coming out from the back of the neck?

You are welcome.
That is a wide ribbon tied around the neck and tied behind to attach a pin or brooch.
I love the pince-nez pinned to her dress.

 

[OldSarge79]

Awesome. I think that all fits with who I suspect it might be. He was born in Dec 1828 and she in 1836. If the photo was taken in 1890, he would have been about 61 and she about 54.

 

[chubachus]

I have two unidentified family photos from the second half of the 1800's, one of which I SUSPECT could be one of my Confederate ancestors. Any help putting an approximate date to these photos, based on clothing style, hair style or something else would be greatly appreciated, as it could narrow the possibilities.

View attachment 301131

View attachment 301132

Is any photgraphy firm listed on the photos? There is a some possibility that you could narrow down the date based on the address/city the photographer might have provided. They look like cabinet cards and they often have them.

 

[OldSarge79]

Is any photgraphy firm listed on the photos? There is a some possibility that you could narrow down the date based on the address/city the photographer might have provided. They look like cabinet cards and they often have them.

Good suggestion but I've already looked into that. The couple was photographed by J.H. Shepperd, Birmingham, Alabama. He was active there for at least several decades. The photo of the single woman was by C.W. Motes, Atlanta photographer, who, again was active there for some decades. The best clue is on the back, in which Motes proudly touts that he won a gold medal at the International Cotton Exposition, which took place in 1881, so this photo had to be after that. I've scoured the backs of both photos hoping for some faint writing, but nothing