Date please: John Inkster (1800-1880), Shetland

[RedMystic]

Hi Chatters,

What are your thoughts on the date of this photograph and could it have been a reprint?

This photo is labelled as grandfather to William Harcus Inkster (1877-1968). His maternal grandfather died in 1867, so that eliminates that option, and appears to reference John Inkster (1800-1880).

The man in the photo doesn't look close to 80, and the photographer was in Edinburgh around 1879. It made me wonder if the photo was a reprint of one taken earlier ... mind-you, I'm not sure that was a thing back then.

I welcome your thoughts on the date for this photo, so that credence can be given to it being John Inkster.

Thank you, RedMystic

[japeflakes]

I agree does not look 80 but will leave the dating to the experts :

[Treetotal]

I would suggest a date of 1890 based on the Marion Imp stamp on the reverse'
Carol

[Gadget]

I agree with Carol. The Marion Imp is 1890.

http://www.cartes.freeuk.com/dated/mip.htm

Gadget

[jim1]

Agree with Carol.
The soft oval vignette was also a style common to the 1890's.
The cardstock itself is a mid-late 1880's style.
With regard to it being a re-print it's always a possibility as
he wouldn't look out of place in the 1870's re the hair, beard & coat
but as he looks around 40ish it still wouldn't be someone born 1800.

This photo is labelled as grandfather to William Harcus Inkster

No it doesn't it just says dad's grandfather.

[RedMystic]

Agree with Carol.
The soft oval vignette was also a style common to the 1890's.
The cardstock itself is a mid-late 1880's style.
With regard to it being a re-print it's always a possibility as
he wouldn't look out of place in the 1870's re the hair, beard & coat
but as he looks around 40ish it still wouldn't be someone born 1800.

This photo is labelled as grandfather to William Harcus Inkster

No it doesn't it just says dad's grandfather.

Thanks for the observations Jim.

The handwriting on the reverse of the photo was done by William Harcus Inkster's son, so "dad's grandfather" means William Harcus Inkster's grandfather.

[RedMystic]

Thank you japeflakes, Treetotal, Gadget, and Jim1. Apparently, I have a mystery on my hands.

[jim1]

More likely to be his father.

[RedMystic]

More likely to be his father.

Thanks for the thought Jim1. We have photos of William Harcus Inkster's father and this photo is definitely not him.

It is a fascinating mystery as it's obviously someone important enough that William brought a photo with him to Canada.

Thanks again to all who have weighed in.