Before 1889 or after 1892?

[blamking]

Here are two cabinet cards that I recently purchased.  The man is my 1st cousin 5 times removed.  The woman is only labelled as his wife.  He was married twice, first to another 1st cousin 5 times removed of mine.  She died in 1889 and he remarried another woman in 1892.  I was hoping that somebody might be able to tell me if this would be his first wife or second.  The cards have plain dark backs and gold colored trim around the slightly beveled edges, which should be visible in the scans.

Thanks in advance!

[chinakay]

The style of ladies' shoulder seams changed dramatically in 1889, providing us today with a huge dating tool for old photos. In Victorian times a lady would keep as fashionable as possible, especially when having a portrait done, as being up-to-date was a social statement.

This lady is shown with the old style of shoulder seams, so before 1889. In fact her hairstyle is more in keeping with the mid 1870s, and so is what little we can see of the dress. Much too fiddly for the sleeker look of the 1880s.

Cheers,
China

[blamking]

Thanks for the response, China.  I was hoping that was the answer.