Can anyone help date this photo please?

[Loopy Linda in La La Land]

Photo of one of my Great Grandmothers..but not sure which one.

Thanks

Linda

[Rachel Scand]

Well done for getting it on here .... no doubt the costume experts will be along soon

Silly question but is there anything at all on the back ?

[Loopy Linda in La La Land]

Hi Rachel,

No nothing at all, dark green front and dark maroon back.

Linda

[Rachel Scand]

Here's a quick clean and enlargement

[John_8251]

I believe it was the custom to wear black for years after becoming a widow.. so that may help. But check this site out....
Costume Detective - How to Date an Old Photograph

[John_8251]

Duh.... I just realised it's a black and white picture. I think I need more coffee lol

[Just Barbara]

I think g.granny dates from the very end of the 1890s. Her bonnet appears to fasten in a big bow at the side of her neck, ( very fancy) Her hair is piled up on top of her head with the bonnet sat on top, this would definitely fit the period. She seems to have a watch on a chain fastened on her chest, her dress looks to be silk ( very nice), and after peering at her cape on the bench, I think that has feathers on the shoulders, very fashionable.

[Rachel Scand]

Morning Barbara


Linda ... if you could scan it at a higher resolution (at least 300) then we might be able to see the detail

[John_8251]

It is quite possoible that this is a Mourning Dress.
A widow would mourn for two and a half years, with the first year and a day in full mourning. During that time pieces of the crape covered just about all of a garment at deepest mourning, but the crape was partially removed to reach the period of secondary mourning which lasted nine months. After that the crape was defunct and a widow could wear fancier lusher fabrics or fabric trims made from black velvets and silk and have them adorned with jet trimming, lace, fringe and ribbons.

[Just Barbara]

Morning Rachel.....