Margaret WARRE for restoration and dating

[still_looking]

In response to Carol's request for photos to restore and or date here is Margaret Warre. I only know Margaret's name as it was handwritten on the card backing. There is already some very pale colour present and the brooch and ring (near the dark line across her fingers) are coloured in gold.

The photo is on glass and I'm guessing is from the 1860s, maybe earlier. Hopefully there is enough detail present on what Margaret is wearing for someone more knowledgeable to make a more informed guess.

S_L

[jmagarac]

Hi S-L... a real challenge here. This may take multiple sessions and some time. I unfortunately do not have auto techniques in my arsenal to throw at it. Others may have a go. What is your opinion - or others opinion - Peter (McGroger) had a good eye for this sort of thing - are those black/dark blobs in the background part of the image, or just image damage and deterioration. I'll try to circle back on this one.

[still_looking]

I believe the dark blobs are partly age discolouration and partly the black material painted on the back of the plate. The small dots present lower down are, I think, due to the covering glass plate being dusty when the photo and frame were re-assembled at some point.

Here are a couple of photos of the plate as a whole, I've included the card with the name on it.

S_L

[japeflakes]

Starter for you, until the good ones appear!

[still_looking]

Thank you Japeflakes

[jmagarac]

I like that Japeflakes. Already brings out the romance of the time period of this piece. Very nice.

[McGroger]

My try. Now for a lie down in a dark room.
Peter

[still_looking]

Great work Peter, thank you!

S_L

[Gadget]

Hi again S_L

A lovely image 

I'd say it might be earlier than 1860s and maybe late 1850s - definitely before 1865 (ears are nor really showing!). Have a look at some early images here:

https://jayneshrimpton.co.uk/blog/how-to-date-old-photographs-from-fashion-part-1-victorian-studio-photographs/

Especially this one  https://jayneshrimpton.co.uk/content/images/2020/10/5.-Mid-late-1850s.jpg

You have  good restore already and I'm waiting for my new specs so a restore from me might be a while in the making!

Gadget