Decipher birthday please.

[a chesters]

Could someone with better eyes than me please make out which birthday is referred to here. I think it should be twenty sixth, but my eyes see fourty seven!!!!

Also, just under his mother in laws signature is what? I simply cannot make it out. Any help will be gratefully received.

            Sydney N.S.W.
            22nd March 1867


Presented to James Stevens Huthnance
On his ………………….. birthday
As a token of appreciation
By his mother in law
         Sarah Robins

…………………………………….
         John V 37   

[sami]

I read the birthday as - twenty seventh

Not sure about the words below the signature but wondered if it was - Search the Scriptures

sami

[a chesters]

Sami, thank you very much for that. I simply could not make out the twenty part.

With your assistance, I am certain you are correct. His mother in law was the wife of a missioner, so it would be very applicable.

Again, many thanks.

AC

[Rhododendron]

Don't forget the reference to that scripture as it could throw more light on the personalities involved. I make it out to be John V ....

[Rhododendron]

Forget to add a 37 or 39 so to recap. John V 37 or 39. Bible to hand anyone?

[a chesters]

Rhododendrum: thank you for pointing that out. Having had a look at the John V 37 or 39, without knowing the personalities apart from what I have found in family searching, I think that it is 39 that is being referred to. "You search the scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness to me"

His father in law was a missioner in Sydney for many years.

[Rhododendron]

Oh thanks for letting me know what the scripture said. I was curious myself but don't have access to a Bible.

[CarolA3]

Agree twenty-seventh birthday, but 'as a token of affection' (which is more personal than 'appreciation', I think).

Carol

[majm]

I agree:

twenty-seventh
affection
Search the Scriptures

John (chapter) V
(verse) 39 (by comparing with the seven in 1867)

https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/Revised-Standard-Version-RSV-Bible/

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+5%3A39&version=RSV

Cheers,  JM