Help dating an old photo please

luciealexa · Post by **luciealexa** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 1:49 pm

Can anyone help with dating the attached photo. It was taken in Aberdeen by Mac Mahon.

It would fit my research if it was taken around 1915 and anyone can confirm that the young man looks about 20. I haven't a clue about the fashion in those days. The hat and collar pin may help to date it, also the spats.

But equally would fit another family member if it was taken around 1890.

Many thanks to anyone who can help
Lucie
PS Sorry couldn't figure how to attach photo, will get help and post it later. Update - have read instructions for posting the photo (sorry, should have done that first) but can't click on Gallery for some reason, so will try tonight.

Post by **emanday** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 2:15 pm

Hi Lucie,

I don't think the Gallery is set up again yet since we were shut down.

Andrew is doing sterling work getting us back to normal, though.

WilmaM · Post by **WilmaM** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 2:47 pm

Although we can't post pictures to the TS Gallery at the moment, you could try looking for the Photographer's studio you say took the photograph.

Sometimes a studio only operated for a certain period of time so you could narrow things down a little that way. I'm not sure what Trade Directories there are for Aberdeen, have a search around TS as i'm sure they or on-line Aberdeen Newspaper archives have cropped up here before.

luciealexa · Post by **luciealexa** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 8:38 pm

Thanks for the info. I haven't been able to find the photographer on a Google search but will try the Directory route.

I will watch this space for the Gallery going on line and could e-m the photo to anyone who's interested if you PM me your e-m address.

Many thanks
Lucie

LesleyB · Post by **LesleyB** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 9:57 pm

Hi Lucie
You could always post the photo on a site such as photobucket http://photobucket.com/
and paste the URL here so that we could all view the image.

Best wishes
Lesley

Currie · Post by **Currie** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 11:21 am

Hello Lucie,

I checked the Aberdeen Weekly Journal to the end of 1900.

Tuesday, May 27, 1879.
Mention of John Macmahon, photographer, &c., Union Row.

Monday, January 16, 1888.
Additions to photographic studio at 56 Union Place, for Mr. John M’Mahon, photographer.

This page has him at 502 Union St, Aberdeen 1890-1914+. I’ve seen Adverts with his name from 1893 with that address. http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/t ... 1189135951

This 1902 book snippet has him as Hon. Treasurer of the Aberdeen Association of Professional Photographers. http://books.google.com.au/books?um=1&q ... arch+Books

Was the photographer’s address on the photograph as well as his name?

Alan

luciealexa · Post by **luciealexa** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 4:09 pm

Oh wow Alan, thanks very much for the links, I will follow these leads up.

No there was no address for the photographer's studio and I can't get at the backs as they are all stuck to very old mounts.

Thanks again
Lucie

Moray_Lass · Post by **Moray_Lass** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 4:27 pm

This site might be of interest, I have it bookmarked at home and have used it, but I don't have many old photos to use it for.

http://www.cartes.freeuk.com/time/date.htm

ninatoo · Post by **ninatoo** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 12:50 am

Here is a fun way to attempt to date clothing. It's like playing paper dollies.

http://www.mccord-museum.qc.ca/en/keys/games/7

Nina

Post by **Anne H** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 4:13 am

I like this, Nina...great fun as well as an education in fashion and styles of the period. Thanks.

Regards,
Anne H