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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs => Topic started by: deb usa on Friday 30 November 12 12:46 GMT (UK)
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Hi everyone :)
I’ve been sent this photo which I am hoping can be dated and restored!
Supposedly this is a group of postmen with some gentlemen in the 1890’s, South Molton, Devon. I cannot find any clues in the picture to confirm this.
My relative (GH, b 1847) was the Postmaster there from 1891(age 43) to 1911. In 1891 and 1901 he was living at the Post Office in Broad Street.
The photo does not look like it was taken outside a PO and there is a chap behind the older gentleman who looks like he has a flower on his lapel. I am wondering if GH was one of the chaps standing behind the sitting, older gentleman.
There is a postman to the left of the older man who looks like he may be wearing a medal of some sort and I wonder what the postman , in front row 2nd from left, is holding out? A letter?
Any other clues that you may find would be fabulous!
Thank you all, once again, for taking the time to help me!
Deb
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I wondered if it could be some sort of "award" ceremony. There is a postcard on the UK e*ay (if you search barnstaple post office) and the uniforms appear the same or similar to those in your photo. The PC is dated 1906. Sorry not of much help.
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Thanks for that ...I will try to find the postcard.
Humm had not thought of an award ceremony... good one
Appreciate you taking the time! :D
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The only one who is dateable is the chap at the back 5th. right.
His collar style was short lived from around 1905-10.
jim
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A grey version :-))
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A sepia version :-))
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Tony.... FABULOUS! Thank you so much. :D
jim ... Thanks for that and taking an interest. Was that a faddish kind of collar then? What about the man's collar back 7th right?
deb
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That's typical Edwardian.The 2 1/2" starched collar was the preserve of young men as they were the only ones stupid enough to wear them.
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;D ;D
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You might find this of Interest Deb:
http://www.northdevonlink.co.uk/postoffice.htm
Carol
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Thanks Carol ...we must have ESP, I've just found that site myself! :D
GH actually lived at the PO in 1891 and 1901 ... I'm assuming in the rooms upstairs ... how fab are the old pictures?!
I appreciate you taking an interest.
deb :)
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Hi Deb have you looked at the PO records on A******y, I had a look for a couple of mine, he might be in there.
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Thanks, George !!!! :D
I have found him in the PO records! Great stuff.
deb
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Good work Deb. :)
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Good evening,
Purely as matter of interest the picture is printed the wrong way round, unless postmen button up ladies fashion.
Are we able to turn it?
John915
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turned
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John915 ... Wow!!! ...That seems to make more 'sense' when looking at it! How strange! Well Spotted!!!!
Good job George! :D
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could they be sitting outside someone's conservatory? :-\ Or did they have shop fronts like that? Not the post Office by the look of the link carol put up! ;)
Wiggy :)
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Hi Wiggy, I think they may be. If this was taken circa 1905-1910 then GH, the Postmaster, would be in his 60's. By 1911 he is living in a house in South Molton and not at the PO! So maybe it's outside his home? ::)
I was wondering about the guy with the flower in his lapel ... did people do that for no reason or would there have to be an occasion ?
deb
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Just a thought ....
GH (b 1847) was made Post Master in 1887...if the photo was taken between 1905-1910 he would have celebrated 20 years of service in 1907 and he would have been turning 60 as well. Maybe a celebration for him?
deb :)
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If you aren't sure which is your rellie, Deb, maybe he is the 'older' gent in the middle - He would seem to have place of honour!
That's just my thought! ;) Or do you know who the older gent. is??
Wiggy
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After convincing my wife that pic was reversed, tidying up a bit and posting, found that George had beat me too it.
Can't help with any additional info I'm afraid.
Regards.
Morrie
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Wiggy ....I am hoping he is the older gentleman 'of honour' :) When I was given this photo someone had dated it at 1890's which would have meant GH was 45...because of the new dating it's actually possible that this may be my GH!!!! ;D which would be fabulous!
Another thought is that if it was his 20th year celebration of being PM, he would also be turning 60 ...another celebration!
Thanks again for taking an interest :)
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Morrie
What a fantastic restore....Thank you so much!
I am amazed by your and John's sharp eyes when it comes to the fact that the picture was reversed! I had no clue except now when I look at the picture it seems "right' somehow!
Hope your wife appreciates your restore for me LOL ;D ;D Tell her thanks for letting you spend the time on the photo!!!
deb :)
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Seems moustaches were popular in those days :)
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Photo was probably taken in Movember ;) ;)
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;D ;D ;D ;D
I will check GH's birthday ...If it's Movember I'll die laughing!
deb
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Good evening,
Purely as matter of interest the picture is printed the wrong way round, unless postmen button up ladies fashion.
Are we able to turn it?
John915
Missed that one ... flipped my original posting :-)
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Thanks Tony ... They're great!
appreciate it!
deb
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Good evening,
The older gent in the middle just jumped out of the page, lighter suit, and obvious sraight away that it was wrong way round. Have searched every South Molton site I can find with photos including Frith but no luck with anything resembling that house.
Jim, if by chance it's not UK what would be the time line for those shirts? I'm thinking colonial.
John915
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If it is colonial then I'd bank on it not being Australia - trees are wrong and building doesn't seem right either. :-\
- funny - first thing I thought when I saw those hats was USA - shakoes are they called? (or French Gendarmes!!) Not quite tall enough though are they?
Wiggy
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Hi Guys
Thanks for your thoughts ...It was sent to my cousin froma woman who runs the South Molton site where the Post Office photos where found.
GH lived at his home named "The Retreat", South Molton in 1911 ...I have tried to find an image of it but have had no luck! I should try to see if there was a street address.
deb
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Good evening,
Could I suggest re-posting this on the Devon site. See if any one in South Molton picks it up.
John915