McDowell Photo dating help, Co. Down or Co. Antrim, Ireland

[maresscares]

Hi, the surnames may or may not be correct, I may never know the answer to that. But any help regarding at least the years and maybe the studio might help me in my quest.

[jim1]

Hello & welcome.
The picture of her is 1890's.
Can't give any details on the photographer as you haven't
shown us the back.
The soldier is wearing the 1902 pattern uniform & could be
anytime from then up to the war years.
If you have these can you show us the backs?
His cap badge is that of the Royal Irish Rifles.

[maresscares]

Unfortunatly the photos are in Ireland and i'm not. But from what I can remember, there wasn't anything written on the back.

Oh and thank you for recognising the regiment

[jim1]

You'll notice on his upper arm there's a formation patch.
These were worn during WW1 & I don't believe they were
worn prior to that.
If you can give a name or 2 of who he might be we can
take a look.

[maresscares]

William Phillips/Philips Born 1876 Scotland Or William McDowell Born 1886, Belfast Co Antrim are the main canditates.

Or it could a one of their siblings or maybe wives brother

[jim1]

I don't think this is someone born 1876.
He looks mid 20's.
There are about a dozen William McDowells in the RIR.
Can you give a few more details about him?
Did he have a middle name?

[maresscares]

my people weren't very good at giving the men Middle names, His wife was Mary Jane and they were married in 1910



Other possible names are

Robert Phillips 1878 Ballygowen, Co Antrim
James Phillips 1882 Ballygowen, Co Antrim

Henry McKee Morell 1887
James Morell 1891

James McDowell 1891, Barrow-in-Furness

Robert Stewart 1882, Larne
James Stewart 1884, Larne
William Stewart 1885, Larne

[jim1]

If this was taken around mid war & he was around mid 20's
you need to look at someone born around 1890ish.
All a bit wishy-washy I know.
I don't think this is someone born pre 1885.
Unfortunately around 60% of WW1 service records were lost during the Blitz.

[maresscares]

Thank you for all your help, I have more information than I had before.