Help dating a picture and clothes

[SGT Rocket]

Hi All,

From time to time, I dabble in my families genealogy. I have a picture of my grandmother's sister, Mamie Irene Riley (married name unknown). I believe she was born prior to 1893 and died in 1988. However, I'm have no idea when this picture was taken of her and her family. Can any one help me date it via clothing or backdrop? Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

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Thanks,
Brian

 

[V.C. Brunswick]

My guess would be circa 1936-38

 

[SGT Rocket]

I love the suit of the guy standing on the far right.

 

[dhermann1]

My guess would be circa 1936-38

Zackly right.

 

[Treetopflyer]

I'm with the others on this one, mid to late 30's.

 

[SGT Rocket]

I wish there was some way I could contact anyone of them that might be still living. Maybe they would have more pictures. I was happy and sad when I found this photo. Yea! Family! Booo! No hats!

 

[Yeps]

Which one is your grandmother's sister?

 

[Jerekson]

In the 30's somewheres. I would say earlier rather than later, personally.

 

[Espee]

My independent estimate was 1933, but I will move it up to 1936 after reading the other opinions.

 

[SGT Rocket]

Which one is your grandmother's sister?

The lady in the back, standing, wearing the pearls. I believe she died in 1988.

I believe she was born in 1897, my grandmother was born in 1893.

 

[1961MJS]

Hi, can you guys mention WHAT from the photograph caused you to state that it's from 1936 to 1938? For being 70 years ago, that's a pretty small window. Personally, I have no clue beyond BASIC fashion trends, etc. I know it was probably taken before the 1980's because it's not in color other than that...

Thanks

 

[LizzieMaine]

I think I have the pattern that was used to make the dress at the far right, with the white collar, and that pattern dates to 1937 -- so I think the estimates are right on the button.

 

[Flat Foot Floey]

Hi, can you guys mention WHAT from the photograph caused you to state that it's from 1936 to 1938? For being 70 years ago, that's a pretty small window. Personally, I have no clue beyond BASIC fashion trends, etc. I know it was probably taken before the 1980's because it's not in color other than that...

Thanks

On the women
-the hairstyle (in the picture it is bobbed and rather close to the head, 40s would have longer hair)
-the waistline on the dresses (20s would be lower, 30s is at the natural waist)
-shoulders (no padding 1930, more padding 38-40s)
-we can't see the skirt lenght but it would be a feature too
-other features like the contrast collars or decorative buttons

everything points to the 30s but I could tell an exact year

I have to confess that I am not good in dating menswear from pictures. For beginners you look at the shoulders & lapels and the width of the pants legs but then... I just have to learn more.

 

[1961MJS]

Thanks Flatfoot, I'll go home and see if I can confirm that in my Mom and Dads' pictures from their childhood. Dad was 12 years older than Mom, so I have some different times to check. I have an album from both my Dad and my Mom's parents, but my Dad's are from after WW2. Mom's are both before and after.

Later

 

[SGT Rocket]

Thanks guys that is great help. Any more information you can give me would be a great help.

 

[AdrianLvsRocky]

There's a website that helps to date photographs:

http://www.photodetective.co.uk/Index.html

It's British but I guess hair/clothing styles would be roughly the same?

It's an interesting website in it's own right but I can see it would be very useful for putting a date on photographs.

 

[Aerojoe]

June, 16th, 1936 at 11:20am

 

[Amy Jeanne]

Yup, 37-38. The women's dresses give it away. The puff sleeve and "dolie"-looking collar was big around 1937-38. I know this from sewing my own and studying the heck out of photos of "regular" people.