Please could somebody date this photo?

[ZED]

This photo shows John McQuinn 1841-1929 and his wife Margaret (nee Irving) 1836-1917. John was a boot-maker and Margaret was a midwife.

They were married in 1870, and I'm wondering whether this might be a wedding photo? (Although their dog is in the picture too!)

The photo has obviously lost a lot of detail over the years, but I'm hoping that there may be enough clues to the date left in their garments!



Also, John appears to have a decorative walking stick ... does anyone have any idea of why this might be?

Thanks for your time!
Paula. 

[oldtimer]

Hi Paula

That walking stick reminds me of one I saw on an antiques tv programme.

It was called a pizzle stick 

Judy 

[ZED]

Thanks Judy

I've googled 'pizzle stick' ...  and yes, I'd agree with those    !!!

[jim1]

Hello Zed
The plain skirt & what appears to be no bustle would put this late 1880's or possibly into the early 1890's but it would be better if we could see all of it plus back.

jim

[RecycledHippy]

Possibly a small improvement

Hippy

[ZED]

Gosh Hippy, that's an absolutely fantastic improvement ... many thanks! I'm now trying to understand what sort of confection Margaret is wearing on her head!

Ah, so not likely to be their wedding photo then Jim.
The photo was sent to me via email attachment from Australia, so that's as much of it as I have. (The McQuinns lived in Liverpool though - not Aus).

Thanks for your input.

Bestest,
Paula.

[jim1]

It's a bonnet.These small hats came in small & extra small.They sat on top like this because of the chignon at the back of her head.
jim

[old rowley]

Jim, with the "bonnet" being so small could it be a Toque instead?

OR

[jim1]

That's the word !