date photo & what do the clothes indicate?

[petercr49]

I understand this photo to be about 1858-60 when Isaac was aged about 25?  Does that sound about right?

Also, do his clothes give any clue to the occasion or his status?

many thanks

[jim1]

Hello Peter
It isn't 1858.Possibly 1890's on.If you have the original can you show the whole card plus back as this gives us important dating clues.

jim

[petercr49]

Hi,  thanks for the quick reply.

Isaac died in 1890 aged 57 and I think he looks younger than that on this photo but he probably looks older than the 25 I was told (but people did age quicker in those days, didn't they?).  I don't have original photo but I'll try to contact the relative that has it.

regards
Peter

[PrueM]

I agree with Jim - much later than 1860, just going by the pose and the card.  If we can get more info from the card we should be able to pin it down a bit closer for you 

By the way, I think he looks more in his 40s than his 20s    The fur coat is interesting, and what's he holding?  Would like to see that in more detail if possible 

Cheers
Prue

[petercr49]

thanks Prue. 

I've no idea what he is holding other than it looks like a piece of paper.  Enlarged detail attached but I'm not sure it helps.  Isaac was a bookseller/newsagent in Newcastle.  What is that thing coming down from his neck? is it some kind of fastening?  Would this be his "best outfit"?

regards

Peter

[PrueM]

It probably would have been his best outfit, most people wore their best gear when being photographed.
I can't make out exactly what it is he's holding...I guess being a bookseller it could be a book or leaflet or something else related to the trade. 

Likewise, I can't work out what the 'thing' is around his neck, it kind of looks like a chain but I doubt whether it is that...it's an intriguing photo, for sure!

Prue

[jim1]

The thing round his neck looks like a tie tucked into his shirt, along with the card stock this led me to the 1890's date.

jim

[IgorStrav]

I would say this is a man in his 20's/30's, no older.  Certainly not anywhere near 57.

Not sure why he would be photographed in such a big coat - the whole image makes me think of Russia!

Are you sure it is your Isaac?

[petercr49]

Hi Jim, Prue, Igor, etc

It is definitely my Isaac as the original was held by my Fathers cousin, passed down from his Mother.  I can see that he looks like one of those old Russian photos, but I'm pretty sure he was born in Ayrshire, Scotland.  His Father Robert Crothers was born in South Carolina to British Parents.  It has been suggested by family that Isaac was a Quaker but I have never found any proof.

As I said, the original photo was owned by my Fathers cousin but he died over a year ago and I assume his son has the photo.  He hasn't responded to Christmas cards or other communications so it may take a while to contact him.  I will post details of the reverse as soon as I can (if I can!).

To me, the thing round his neck looks something like woven string!

thanks for all your suggestions.

regards

Peter