Okay, I didn't use the front of the photo at all, because men's fashions, and babies', don't give as much to work with as ladies' fashions. But also very important in dating a photo is the mount, and pose, the crop and what is on the back.
I used the back.
Photos on a card mount, cartes-de-visite, taken during the 1860s have nothing on the backs but a small crest-shaped lozenge, usually in the middle. It's a very simple look, with the photographer's name and address and not much else. The corners of the card are square.
During the 1870s the designs on the back of the cards gradually got a bit more complex, but still straightforwardly name and address. Not until about 1878 or so do the rounded corners start to come in. Type is horizontal on the card.
Toward the late 70s and into the 1880s the slant comes in, and corners are always rounded. The backs are cluttered and scrolly, with lots of lacy, fiddly-looking designs. Very busy.
By about 1900 the corners go square again and the art deco look starts to come in, with the Victorian scrollwork being left behind.
This is why I made the guess that I did. Judging only by the back of the card, I'd say 1860s-70s may be a bit early. If you'd like to make your own evaluation there's a good site here:
http://www.cartes.freeuk.com/time/time.htmCheers,
China
