mid 1800s Canadian Ambrotype Agnes Jeffrey

[USCRx]

   This is an ambrotype, that is allegedly of my g-g-grandmother, Agnes Jeffrey (1819-1873). Her maiden name was Moscrip, and her first marriage was to a John McLenhan, who passed away in 1847. I've always been told that the baby is my g-grandfather, Henry Jeffrey (1860-1952), but recently have become not-so-sure. Someone even recently told me that this was a post-mortem photograph, and that the baby was dead! The family lived in Cobourg, Northumberland, Upper Canada from 1853 - 1873.
   I'd love to hear someone's impressions about the date, and if this could be a post-mortem photograph.

[Treetotal]

It's unusual for a studio photograph to capture a sleeping baby and for it to be dressed in black so I am inclined to agree with it being a PM photo. It is very sensitively done though.
Carol

[Gadget]

I think it's 1860s (maybe a bit earlier) but also would agree that it's a pm photograph.

[jim1]

Ambrotypes were the norm in the 1850's & were still in use in the early 1860's. I would suggest this is the upper end of those dates.
I would agree most probably a pm.

[Treetotal]

Have you identified a death of a child in the late 1850s early 1860s? The child looks to be around 6/7 months old. This looks to have been taken a little later than your Dag. They are lovely and you are very lucky to have them.
Carol

[USCRx]

No, I haven't been able to verify a child's death. However, Agnes Jeffrey (the mother) gave birth in 1854, 1856, 1860, and 1862 (every two years, except between 1856 and 1860). I'm now wondering if there might've been a birth in 1858, and the child died?

[Treetotal]

That is certainly worth looking into.
Carol

[USCRx]

I'm interested, Carol, why are you thinking this is a post-mortem photograph? What clues lead you to this conclusion?
Thanks,

[Treetotal]

It's unusual for a photographer to take a photo of a sleeping baby and dressed in what appears to be black. This would probably be the only chance of the Mother having a photo of her baby and was  common practice in Victorian families.
Carol