Scottish portrait date and age

[Eric Hatfield]

Could the husband/father have enlisted and the photo is for him to take with him?

That is a good thought. If he was about to go off to war, you'd think they'd take a photo of mother and child with him rather than with his/her father. But if he was already in France, perhaps this makes more sense?

I have some very similar in dress and hairstyles.

That is helpful to know. It's all pointing to maybe 1911-1915, with the middle of the range perhaps more likely.

Thanks to both of you.

[japeflakes]

I am going for 1913-14 era.

[Eric Hatfield]

I am going for 1913-14 era.

Thanks. 1913 seems to be the centre of the estimates. I'll work on that.

[J.J.]

   What a fabulous image!!!...I think you've been given great advice as the little girl's double width drop waist panel and the button leggings looks good for the era c.1915.
adding: Some of their other children also moved further afield, as Christian (who died young...likely in childbirth)  & Daniel ( who lived a century!) went to the United States...so could be a wandering rellie.
They'll be happy to have your input on more family tree details, I'm sure.
https://www.familysearch.org/tree/pedigree/landscape/LCVW-RQ4
   Not that this is necessarily the case, but one must be open-minded as it also was not unheard of for much older men to marry younger women.  J.J.
   

[Eric Hatfield]

I think you've been given great advice as the little girl's double width drop waist panel and the button leggings looks good for the era c.1915.

Thanks. There seems to be a consensus from about 1911-1915.

Daniel ( who lived a century!) went to the United States

This was Daniel Stephen. Yes, he had a long and colourful life. I met him once, quite a while ago now, when he visited Australia. I wish I had the opportunity now to ask him some questions! At least 2 of that generation went to the US and at least one to Australia.

it also was not unheard of for much older men to marry younger women

Yes, I had wondered that. I thought maybe there was some resemblance between woman and man, indicating he was her father, but I'm not much good that that and I may only be imagining it. I am hoping the age of the child will be the easiest basis fior identification. So far I haven't found a good choice, but I need to do some more searching in the wider family tree.

[Alison55]

The young woman's hair is long and done in an up-do style. After WW1, women 'bobbed' their hair to short styles, except for some much older women.  That plus the long dress indicate a pre-1920 date.  After the war, skirts went up, way up.
As for the solemn faces indicating a 'going to war' photo, I'm sorry to disagree.  People just didn't smile in formal photos, just like formal paintings for those who could afford them.  You might take a look at the 1900 tintype I posted here yesterday.  It was the baby's christening and no one is smiling except a wee smile from the young mother who just couldn't resist!

[Gadget]

Could I draw your attention to Jim's dating over a month ago. He is the RC dating guru 

The start date is just pre WW1 & possibly into the war years but I
suspect it's pre war by the the girl's dress style.
Is there a stamp box on the back?
Often they are dateable.

[Alison55]

Yes and thank you. I was just adding my vote.