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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: mead researcher on Sunday 10 October 21 06:34 BST (UK)

Title: Illegible words on photo of unknown lady
Post by: mead researcher on Sunday 10 October 21 06:34 BST (UK)

Hi there
I have an old photo we are trying to id as an ancestor.
No one knows who she is.

Someone with keen eyesight has suggested there looks to be some handwritten words beneath the printed words THE NEW PHOTOGRAPHER.

I'm hoping someone with even more keen eyesight may be able to suggest what is or was written there  ;)

Can I ask people not to take time colourising or enhancing - all I am interested in is what may or may not be handwritten on the bottom of the pic.

Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: Illegible words on photo of unknown lady
Post by: Ruskie on Sunday 10 October 21 07:42 BST (UK)

Have you tried putting a piece of tracing or thin paper over the ‘words’ and gently rubbing a very soft lead pencil over it to see if anything emerges? You might have to try it a few times to get the right technique, and obviously use a very light touch with the pencil.

Along the lines of a brass rubbing …..

https://www.ehow.com/how_8393691_do-pencil-rubbing.html

Title: Re: Illegible words on photo of unknown lady
Post by: mead researcher on Sunday 10 October 21 07:51 BST (UK)

Thanks for that suggestion, I'll give it a go. Anything is worth a try  ;D

I couldn't attach a larger file - it is clearer at 450 dpi but too big to upload here.

Title: Re: Illegible words on photo of unknown lady
Post by: rosie99 on Sunday 10 October 21 07:53 BST (UK)

Why don't you just crop the area you want us to look at and enlarge it

Title: Re: Illegible words on photo of unknown lady
Post by: mead researcher on Sunday 10 October 21 08:23 BST (UK)

Yes I have them scanned that way - .jpg at 450 dpi is 450 MB
And a darker contrast version .jpg is 350 MB.
I'll upload them separately.
Barbara

Title: Re: Illegible words on photo of unknown lady
Post by: mead researcher on Sunday 10 October 21 08:25 BST (UK)

A bit darker still scanned ,jpg at 450 dpi
B

Title: Re: Illegible words on photo of unknown lady
Post by: Ruskie on Sunday 10 October 21 09:13 BST (UK)

Though the scans are good, some shadowing or shading might enhance the “writing”.

https://www.ehow.co.uk/how_7770858_make-writing-imprint-visible-paper.html

After all your efforts it will probably be an impression from a shopping list and say “3 lbs of apples and a bottle of full cream milk”.  ;D

Title: Re: Illegible words on photo of unknown lady
Post by: Ayashi on Sunday 10 October 21 09:53 BST (UK)

I'm not sure that's anything more than an ink smudge personally, but if anything it could be something simple like "Me" or "Ma (or variations of mother)". I've got a load of photos that say things like "my mother" without knowing who wrote the notes, very helpful!

I like the fact that she seems to have a little smile on her face, despite the fact she was probably standing there for a while.

Title: Re: Illegible words on photo of unknown lady
Post by: mead researcher on Sunday 10 October 21 10:46 BST (UK)

Thanks for replies - I do hope it doesn't turn out to be a shopping list  :'(

Title: Re: Illegible words on photo of unknown lady
Post by: Girl Guide on Sunday 10 October 21 11:09 BST (UK)

Is this any better.  I'm not sure that there are any words but see what you think.

Title: Re: Illegible words on photo of unknown lady
Post by: mead researcher on Sunday 10 October 21 11:44 BST (UK)

Thank you and maybe I'll never know .....
Barbara