Help dating and/or restoring this photo please

[Geoff Crowther]

Hi
This photo was given to me by my Mum some time ago. She originally told me it was her Grandad on the horse, with his Dad standing by, but when I showed it to her again just the other day, she said it was her Dad, with her Grandad standing.
I reckon the horse is used for pulling carts because of the blinkers but that doesn't help me because both these ancestors could have been coal merchants when the baby was born.
So, what i'm trying to establish is; is this photo from around 1870 or 1900? I notice the unusual style of jacket worn by the man. It looks like a woollen waistcoat but with sleeves of a different fabric. Sadly, all we seem to be able to see of the lady is the length of her skirt.
Any ideas folks?
By the way, the babe on the horse is either Joseph Arch, b.1900 in Leeds or Joseph Arch b.1870 in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire. The guy standing being either Joseph sr. or his Dad, Henry Arch b.1839 in Bloomfield, Staffs. Both of the latter two were coal merchnts at some time in their lives; Joe in Leeds and Henry in Bradford.
I'd also be happy if anyone wants to have a go at tidying it up please.
Cheers
Geoff

[still_looking]

Assuming that the couple in the photo lived in the house behind could you work out whose house it was? If you could establish that location you might be able to rule out possible dates and end up with a combination that fitted.

[Geoff Crowther]

Yep, point taken, still_looking. Thanks, I'll give it a go.
Any other offers?
Cheers
Geoff

[marionjl]

Had a go at cleaning it up, hope that helps

Marion

[chinakay]

Is this an actual black & white photo, or is it sepia that's been scanned in b&w?

Always scan in colour, could be very important!

Also...any printing, anything at all, on the back? Everything's a clue.

Cheers,
China

[Geoff Crowther]

Thank you Marion. That looks much better.
China, I think it's sepia and yes, I scanned it in b&w. Never done this before. should I re-do it in colour?
Sadly, there's nothing on the back except for the pare stuck on to hold it together.
Geoff

[chinakay]

Hi Geoff...yes, you should rescan in colour, at 300dpi, for restoration as a colour scan gives more tones to work with.

I'm going to guess at the 1900 date, looking at the woman's skirt and also the man's vest, as I think I see the watch chain inserted into a separate hole, a style that became popular in 1888. Hard to tell, though, and you may get other opinions...

Cheers,
China

[Geoff Crowther]

OK China. Will do. and thanks for your thoughts.
Cheers
Geoff

[Geoff Crowther]

Ok, thanks to China's advice, here's a colour version of the original sepia photo.
Geoff