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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs => Topic started by: lewlew1 on Monday 04 February 19 13:44 GMT (UK)
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Hi,
I am working on a family tree project for my Grandfather. He has many old photos, and has been able to identify most people.
We have a pile of unknown people. These two photos I believe may be my Grandfathers Great Grandparents from his mother (both he never met as they died before he was born)
So I have a few questions,
1) Can anybody give me any information from these photos. Such as date taken or give an idea of their ages when taken?
2) Could they be a married couple, is it normal to have separate portraits for a married couple? As they are both taken in what looks to be the same studio with the same chair. Could they be meant to be displayed next to each other or at opposite ends of a fireplace for eg.
3) Could they be siblings, or just random friends or relatives? They do have some resemblance to my Grandfathers grandparents.
My Grandfathers aunt thought the woman was his great Aunt, but from my research she did not marry and the woman pictured is wearing a ring.
I hope someone is able to help,
Thank you!
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I would guess at early 1900-1920. I think the lady may be in her middle 40's the gentleman perhaps 5 or so years older. They could well be related, the eyes have a similarity.
The gentleman maybe is not that comfortable in a suite and has struggled to fasten a decent knot in his tie.
I am sure there will be many more suggestions from members.
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The gentleman maybe is not that comfortable in a suite and has struggled to fasten a decent knot in his tie.
You can actually see what seems to be a bandage/plaster wrapped around his middle finger (and I think on the ring finger aswell) ??? Maybe that explains the poor tie?
(https://i.ibb.co/FKMn5xH/finger.png)
^ Not relevant at all to OP's questions, but I'm a stickler for details :P Perhaps it could give us a clue to his profession? (I'm really reaching here though)
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Welcome to Rootschat lewlew, and great photos!
I will put my oar in and say that I think they are a married couple and indeed the photos could have been displayed together as they are posed opposite to each other.
You may get some more precise dating from their dress, and I would say that both could be in their late 40's or 50's.
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Well spotted russell. The chairs are the same so yes IgorStrav, either taken together as a couple or separately.
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I am going to guess early 1908-15 with that rounded collar on the man - and the three piece matching suit. Could be wrong. ;)
Beautiful photos.
Wiggy :)
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I am going to guess early 1908-15 with that rounded collar on the man - and the three piece matching suit. Could be wrong. ;)
Beautiful photos.
Wiggy :)
Hi Lewlew and welcome to RootsChat. I don't think Wiggy is far out with her dates. I think they are Husband and Wife in their late 40s early 50s.
Carol
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I too think it's a married couple. I also think the folded paper the man is holding is a clue to his occupation and maybe the bandage on his finger isn't a bandage but a rubber thimble worn by office staff who have to shuffle papers quickly.
Does the family know of any occupations ancestors held? Perhaps in shipping, railways, insurance, etc.
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I think they're about 55 and 50, so a couple born in the 1850s. The papers look like a map; did anyone go on a big trip in the 1900s? Are there any details on the photo card (front or back) giving clues as to where it was taken? (Even the design of the card, the shape of the stamp box and so on can provide clues.)
Peter
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Thank you so much everyone for the replies - they are very helpful and interesting to know what you think!
The relatives who I think they may be, are George Severn 1855-1930 and Mary Bonsall 1861-1935. In 1888 George was a colliery machine clerk, 1911 colliery check weigher. George and Mary were also shop keepers, from at least 1881 until they died. I have attached an image of George that I found from a newspaper article recording his death.
or
Joseph Dawes 1856-1929 and Mary Parkin 1854-1922. Joseph was a Coal Miner Contractor in 1911 and also listed as a grocer too.
The newspaper photo of george SEVERN looks very similar to the man in the photo.
But what has confused me is the son of Joseph DAWES and Mary, (Edmund Dawes 1890-1951) I think resembles the woman (the nose and eyes) which would then mean she is Mary DAWES/PARKIN and not George and mary severn?
I've also attached a photo of Edmund (left) and his brother Fred (1884-1953) (right) i am not sure when this photo was taken or of the ages, so if anyone has an idea of this it would be helpful too ???
Thank you
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I think they're about 55 and 50, so a couple born in the 1850s. The papers look like a map; did anyone go on a big trip in the 1900s? Are there any details on the photo card (front or back) giving clues as to where it was taken? (Even the design of the card, the shape of the stamp box and so on can provide clues.)
Peter
Hi
Im not sure if there was a big trip,
The photos are both the same size post card photos. Stamped with van ralty on the back and some writing but i am not sure what this means.
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I also have this photo of my Great great Grandmother, Im not sure if she resembles the original two photos, meaning they could be George and Mary Severn?
Her name is Eliza Jane Severn (1891) again I am not sure when this photo was taken or what the picture says about her.
Thanks
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Theres a site called cartedevisite link below, which lists Van Ralty as a Photographer with various Studios from 1840-1940. Another site lists the Studios from 1915-1929. Take your pick!
http://www.cartedevisite.co.uk/photographers-category/photographers/u-to-z/photographers-v/
I think the numbers on the rear of the card are possibly the images reference number, in case they wanted further prints.
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I think the last photo, which is really interesting, has to have been hand coloured at some point.
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Thank you purlin
I think the studio would have been the Nottingham one.
I think the last photo, which is really interesting, has to have been hand coloured at some point.
Yes I really like this photo. I sharpened it, the original was less defined - not sure if that makes a difference. I know it is b&w but is it possible to guess her eye colour/hair colour etc btw?
Thanks
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Well how strange, i see the hair as auburn and well, it just appears to me that it has been tinted or coloured. Yes, it is a beautiful photograph and i'm sure its treasured by the family. i would guess her eyes are hazel!
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Actually, thinking about it further, it may be that the print has not been totally washed after fixing and so therefore the chemicals that remain on the emulsion have chemically altered it. i see blues and as i say the hair as auburn. There is also a hint of sepia to it, whatever the reasoning, its a great photograph.
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I hope you don't mind but I gave her a make over :D
Carol
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...and with a different tone and increased contrast.
Carol
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I was hoping someone would take the initiative and restore and enhance that print, thank you Carol, it's really show-cased your talents well done.
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I couldn't resist it...it's such a lovely image of a beautiful young woman...Thanks for the feedback Purlin, it's much appreciated :D
Carol
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Hi Carol,
I may have "beaten you to it" as you said on the Samuel Sissons thread last night, but I will never be able to beat your restoration talents. A fabulous restore of a beautiful lady :)
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Aw....thanks Jools...How nice of you to say :-* Horses for courses, and you are often first past the post ;)
Carol
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;D ;D ;)
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I hope you don't mind but I gave her a make over :D
Carol
Wow thank you so much Carol. They are both amazing ;D ;D
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My pleasure, glad you like them :D
Carol
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Hope you don't mind that I colourised this photo :)
Also - sorry I'm a bit late in posting this!
(https://i.ibb.co/HPSRRdp/finished-colour-restore-comparison.png)
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I couldn't resist giving this beautiful lady some colour too.
Pat