Group photo by Allan Ramsden for dating please

[JenB]

I would welcome a date, please, for this rather down-trodden looking group. The small boy in sailor costume seems to be clutching a hat which is several sizes too large 

Although the photograph has 'Hexham' printed on the back, Allan Ramsden actually appears to have been an 'itinerant' photographer, judging by his 1928 obituary, plying his trade in the north of England and south of Scotland in a caravan. In 1891 and 1901 he was living in County Durham, but not very far south of Hexham.

[JenB]

Here is part of the 1928 obituary

[Treetotal]

I would say this one was 1870 s Jen.
Carol

[JenB]

Great, Carol, many thanks indeed.
I love the little chap in the sailor suit.
I had read of itinerant photographers before, but not of one who wrote a book about it (see the obituary snip in #1 ) It would be fascinating to see if any copies are available in local libraries.

[jim1]

Agree with Carol mid-late 1870's.
They don't look down trodden to me.

[JenB]

Agree with Carol mid-late 1870's.

Thanks you Jim 

[cazza59]

I was bored Jen.  I think they scrub up not too badly though, and perhaps it's the faded state of the photo that makes them appear downtrodden.

Caz

[Handypandy]

Nice job Caz, they didn't look downtrodden to me either, actually quite smart. However, without wishing to be cruel, I wouldn't have wanted to bump into them on a dark night..

[JenB]

Caz, that's lovely.

this rather down-trodden looking group.

Clearly I am comprehensively out-voted on this point