Photo dating please a portrait of James Hale and his grown family

[Joanne0669]

This photo was taken in the late 1800's I believe but would like to narrow down a date. It was taken in Australia and is a portrait of James Hale and his grown family. They left Jersey, St. Helier, Channel Islands in 1879 and came out to Australia. James Hale, the oldest gentleman in the photo died in 1908 at the age of 84 if that helps to date the photo.

[cazza59]

Is there anything on the back Joanne?   For dating purposes, it's best to post a scan of front and back, unless of course the back is blank.

Awesome photo BTW!

Caz

[Joanne0669]

Hi Caz 

This photo was emailed to me by my recently passed aunt.

I don't believe there is anything on the back of this one as it is a restored copy done back in the mid 1970's after the original was damaged in Cyclone Tracey. I wouldn't even know where to start looking for the original...if it still exists!

I think it's pretty awesome myself....just wish there were many more photos  like this in my family tree!

Cheers,
Joanne

[cazza59]

I'm going to have a wild guess and say maybe very late 80s but more early 1890s, but you need Jim or China to give their opinion as they are the dating/fashion experts.

Thank goodness they were able to restore it.  How amazing that it survived Cyclone Tracey at all really.  That's one Christmas morning I will never forget!

Caz

[jim1]

The women at the back have a sleeve style which is a late variation of the gigot sleeve which dominated most of the 1890's.
The earliest I've seen this puffball style is 1896 so 1896-99 I would suggest.

[Joanne0669]

Thanks Jim & Caz 

I was trying to date it myself with the clothing the women were wearing but for me it was just a wild guess.

Thank you!

Cheers
Joanne