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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: Hirondelle on Wednesday 07 March 18 13:46 GMT (UK)

Title: Cause of death
Post by: Hirondelle on Wednesday 07 March 18 13:46 GMT (UK)
Hello,

Is anyone able to decipher the cause of death in the attached image?

None of the variations I have tried have yielded any answers.

Thank you in advance!

Title: Re: Cause of death
Post by: oldtimer on Wednesday 07 March 18 13:51 GMT (UK)
Hi,

I read it as "decline"  :)
Title: Re: Cause of death
Post by: Hirondelle on Wednesday 07 March 18 13:56 GMT (UK)
Oh I was reading the first letter as b or l, your answer makes much more sense, thanks!
Title: Re: Cause of death
Post by: oldtimer on Wednesday 07 March 18 13:58 GMT (UK)
Well I could be wrong, so hopefully you will get some more opinions  :D
Title: Re: Cause of death
Post by: Romilly on Wednesday 07 March 18 14:00 GMT (UK)

I'd agree with 'decline', - but agree that the first letter is tricky.

Romilly.
Title: Re: Cause of death
Post by: nanny jan on Wednesday 07 March 18 14:04 GMT (UK)
I read it as "decline" but agree that the first letter is tricky.
Title: Re: Cause of death
Post by: oldtimer on Wednesday 07 March 18 14:05 GMT (UK)
I think it is a stylised capital D
Title: Re: Cause of death
Post by: arthurk on Wednesday 07 March 18 14:05 GMT (UK)
Definitely 'Decline'. It's a common type of upper-case D, though rather loosely formed.
Title: Re: Cause of death
Post by: avm228 on Wednesday 07 March 18 14:29 GMT (UK)
Definitely "Decline", and not an uncommon finding (if frustratingly vague) in early death certificates.
Title: Re: Cause of death
Post by: S.O.B on Wednesday 07 March 18 15:29 GMT (UK)
"Decline" was obviously a "catch all" category covering any slow versus contagious decease before the advent of more modern diagnosis. The age range for decline was from "infant" to "old age".
(c/o maggieblanck)
Title: Re: Cause of death
Post by: cristeen on Wednesday 07 March 18 18:33 GMT (UK)
A friend of mine's grandmother died several months ago, her death certificate stated the cause to be 'decline of old age'. She was 98 I think