Help deciphering a surname please

[Rodgerslad]

Hi everyone, could someone please help me try to decipher the surname of a photograph of a man I have found.  I know the first initials are G B but what about the surname, any ideas?

Thanks.

Andy

[Ruskie]

Welcome to rootschat Andy. 

It looks a bit like Morg or Mogliane. 

Given that the photo was taken in Melbourne maybe it is a Greek or Italian surname and not instantly recognizable.

Are you trying to trace the photo or the person whose name appears on the back?
Have you checked Vic BMDs or Electoral Rolls for any likely candidates?
What era was the photo taken? (this might help find him if people know where and when to look)

[Treetotal]

Hi Andy and welcome from me too...Maghian...Morghian.
Carol

[Rodgerslad]

Wow, thanks so much for the quick replies!

I think it dates to around 1880, I am trying to trace the man on the photo.  Do you definitely think t begins with M then?  I was confused as it almost looks like they have lifted the pen up twice to write the 'arches' of the letter.

Andy

[mirl]

Perhaps if you showed the photograph too some-one may be able to identify the person that way.

[Rodgerslad]

This is a photo of the man.  I have no idea what the star badges on the lapels mean either if anyone knows?

[Malcolm33]

  Foster and Martin were photographers at 29-31 Collins street from 1879 to 1889 - see http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/167155451?q&versionId=182157481   This would be about the same date of a photograph of John Oliver and his wife and daughters sent to England around that time which my mother remembered looking at when she was a child.   She remembered reading 'Melbourne' on the back.    If only we started our research early.   In 1956 when I first came to Melbourne I had no idea that one of John Oliver's daughters was still living - only just round the corner from where I stayed in Mordialloc.   I found the family eventually but too late for my Mum to meet them when she visited us.   

    The end of the name almost looks like l'ame as the flourish from the previous letter 'g' maybe doesn't go anywhere near the continuation.

[Ruskie]

Yes I think the surname starts with an M. 

I'm sure someone will be able to help you identify the collar badges. The tie is distinctive too.

Did the photograph belong to a family member? Keep in mind though that the sitter and the name on the back may not be one and the same, but I suppose you've got to start somewhere. 

[sbny357]

I think the second letter looks more like an 'a', and Magliano would be a common Italian name that fits, although it could also be Magliane or Magliani.

Steve