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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs => Topic started by: Westby on Wednesday 07 August 24 09:58 BST (UK)

Title: Dating of tennis photo - Bertha Smith dress and racquet
Post by: Westby on Wednesday 07 August 24 09:58 BST (UK)
I'd appreciate help in dating this photo. I'm thinking pre-WW1, but I'd be interested if anyone could help with the dress and racquet.  It was taken in a country area of Australia, so would not have been the latest fashion in terms of dress or equipment.

The subject was born in 1893, so I'm guessing she'd be in her mid-late teens.

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Dating of tennis photo - Bertha Smith dress and racquet
Post by: japeflakes on Wednesday 07 August 24 21:44 BST (UK)
Around 1910-12 perhaps
Title: Re: Dating of tennis photo - Bertha Smith dress and racquet
Post by: Wiggy on Thursday 08 August 24 04:16 BST (UK)
Reckon you about right with your estimate, Westby!  That was my guess before reading your post.

Wiggy.
Title: Re: Dating of tennis photo - Bertha Smith dress and racquet
Post by: Handypandy on Thursday 08 August 24 11:18 BST (UK)
Not requested I know, but couldn't resist a bit of a clean up......


Title: Re: Dating of tennis photo - Bertha Smith dress and racquet
Post by: McGroger on Friday 09 August 24 08:57 BST (UK)
I'd agree with the other assessments: late teens, pre-WW1; and like Andy I couldn't resist having a play. :)

Added: She's prominently displaying a decorative ring on her right hand; I wonder if it would have had some special significance that could help with a date.

Peter
Title: Re: Dating of tennis photo - Bertha Smith dress and racquet
Post by: Jebber on Friday 09 August 24 09:16 BST (UK)
I also agree with it being pre WW1. I have a group photo of my grandmother and her tennis friends, they were wearing similar dresses. It was taken before she moved to South Africa in 1911.
Title: Re: Dating of tennis photo - Bertha Smith dress and racquet
Post by: Gillg on Friday 09 August 24 11:19 BST (UK)
Interesting shoes with heels.  Difficult for playing on a grass court, which I think was more usual in those days.
Title: Re: Dating of tennis photo - Bertha Smith dress and racquet
Post by: Westby on Sunday 11 August 24 04:53 BST (UK)
Thanks @Handypandy.  The photo looks so much better now.

In relation to the shoes, @Gillg, this was a very early settlement in Western Australia, so it would not have been grass - probably some kind of dirt/sawdust surface I imagine.

@McGroger I also noticed the ring. I think she was engaged before her fiance went to France in 1916, so perhaps this was a friendship ring?

Thanks all for your insights and asisstance.