Agnes Copeland by David Scott [carte de visite]

Photo details:

Title Agnes Copeland by David Scott Date 1879-80 Collection Georgina Auld nee Muir photo album Digital ID apc-000082 Photo Type Carte de visite Mount Size 64 x 105 mm Mount Thickness 0.625 mm Mount Colour White Mount Edges Straight Mount Corners Square Mount Border None Image Size 60 x 95 mm Technology Albumen Features Front Imprint Small lettering Back Imprint Large sized, text and script

Front face Rear face

Front face:

Agnes Copeland by David Scott (front face) [Auld Photograph Collection apc-000082-s1]

Larger version on Flickr

Photographers imprint on the front face reads:

David Scott. Sydney.

Rear face:

Agnes Copeland by David Scott (rear face) [Auld Photograph Collection apc-000082-s2]

Larger version on Flickr

Imprint on rear face is medium sized and includes both text and script. Inscription of the text reads as:

BY APPOINTMENT PHOTOGRAPHER TO H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh, K.G.
Artist Photographer
140, PITT STREET,
SYDNEY,
Opposite Mort's Passage.
David Scott,
SUCCESSOR TO WILLIAM BRADLEY.
[top medal] AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF NEW SOUTH WALES
[bottom left medal] VICTORIA ... ALBERTUS ... MDCCCLI
[bottom right medal] ...CIS CONCORDI PACE LIGAVIT
MEDALS AWARDED LONDON & SYDNEY
Exhibitions.
Portraits in Crayon from Life or copied from Photographs
CASH ON DELIVERY.

See David Scott, 140 Pitt Street, Sydney [Photographers] for more information on when David Scott operated his photographic studio from 140 Pitt Street Sydney, As discussed in that post, the documentary evidence based solely on the information provided on the back imprint dates the photo between the twelve year period 1869-80.

Card Stock and Image Size:

The square corners on this carte de visite indicate a pre-1870 date, but the full image size was not used until 1874 and onwards. Based on this information we can refine the date range down to a seven year period 1874-80.

Additional annotations in album:

Written in the album next to the carte de visite are the words "Agnes Copeland"

Background research:

Additional background research undertaken by +Paul Cooper into the lives of the Goodlet and Copeland families has revealed that Agnes Copeland was born in December 1873. The photograph shows a child of approximately 6-8 years of age which would place the photograph between 1879 and 1881.

Taking into account all of the above information it is estimated that the photograph was taken in in the period 1879-1880.

Elizabeth Copeland by David Scott [carte de visite]

Photo details:

Title Elizabeth Copeland by David Scott Date 1874-75 Collection Georgina Auld nee Muir photo album Digital ID apc-000081 Photo Type Carte de visite Mount Size 64 x 104 mm Mount Thickness 0.625 mm Mount Colour White Mount Edges Straight Mount Corners Square Mount Border None Image Size 60 x 94 mm Technology Albumen Features Front Imprint Small lettering Back Imprint Large sized, text and script

Front face Rear face

Front face:

Elizabeth Copeland by David Scott (front face) [Auld Photograph Collection apc-000081-s1]

Larger version on Flickr

Photographers imprint on the front face reads:

David Scott. Sydney.

Rear face:

Elizabeth Copeland by David Scott (rear face) [Auld Photograph Collection apc-000081-s2]

Larger version on Flickr

Imprint on rear face is medium sized and includes both text and script. Inscription of the text reads as:

BY APPOINTMENT PHOTOGRAPHER TO H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh, K.G.
Artist Photographer
140, PITT STREET,
SYDNEY,
Opposite Mort's Passage.
David Scott,
SUCCESSOR TO WILLIAM BRADLEY.
[top medal] AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF NEW SOUTH WALES
[bottom left medal] VICTORIA ... ALBERTUS ... MDCCCLI
[bottom right medal] ...CIS CONCORDI PACE LIGAVIT
MEDALS AWARDED LONDON & SYDNEY
Exhibitions.
Portraits in Crayon from Life or copied from Photographs
CASH ON DELIVERY.

See David Scott, 140 Pitt Street, Sydney [Photographers] for more information on when David Scott operated his photographic studio from 140 Pitt Street Sydney, As discussed in that post, the documentary evidence based solely on the information provided on the back imprint dates the photo between the twelve year period 1869-80.

Card Stock and Image Size:

The square corners on this carte de visite indicate a pre-1870 date, but the full image size was not used until 1874 and onwards. Based on this information we can refine the date range down to a seven year period 1874-80.

Background research:

Additional background research undertaken by +Paul Cooper into the lives of the Goodlet and Copeland families has revealed that Elizabeth Copeland arrived in Sydney from the New Hebrides on 29 September 1873 with her husband the Rev. Joseph Copeland and her three children. In April the following year Rev. Copeland returned to the New Hebrides, but returned back into Sydney during December. With two of their children they departed for the New Herbides in April 1875. Elizabeth Copeland died in 20 January 1876.

Taking into account all of the above information it is estimated that the photograph was taken between 1874-75.  

Rev. Joseph Copeland by David Scott [carte de visite]

Photo details:

Title Rev. Joseph Copeland by David Scott Date 1874-75 Collection Georgina Auld nee Muir photo album Digital ID apc-000080 Photo Type Carte de visite Mount Size 64 x 104 mm Mount Thickness 0.625 mm Mount Colour White Mount Edges Straight Mount Corners Square Mount Border None Image Size 60 x 95 mm Technology Albumen Features Front Imprint Small lettering Back Imprint Large sized, text and script

Front face Rear face

Front face:

Rev. Joseph Copeland by David Scott (front face) [Auld Photograph Collection apc-000080-s1]

Larger version on Flickr

Photographers imprint on the front face reads:

David Scott. Sydney.

Rear face:

Rev. Joseph Copeland by David Scott (rear face) [Auld Photograph Collection apc-000080-s2]

Larger version on Flickr

Imprint on rear face is medium sized and includes both text and script. Inscription of the text reads as:

BY APPOINTMENT PHOTOGRAPHER TO H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh, K.G.
Artist Photographer
140, PITT STREET,
SYDNEY,
Opposite Mort's Passage.
David Scott,
SUCCESSOR TO WILLIAM BRADLEY.
[top medal] AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF NEW SOUTH WALES
[bottom left medal] VICTORIA ... ALBERTUS ... MDCCCLI
[bottom right medal] ...CIS CONCORDI PACE LIGAVIT
MEDALS AWARDED LONDON & SYDNEY
Exhibitions.
Portraits in Crayon from Life or copied from Photographs
CASH ON DELIVERY.

See David Scott, 140 Pitt Street, Sydney [Photographers] for more information on when David Scott operated his photographic studio from 140 Pitt Street Sydney, As discussed in that post, the documentary evidence based solely on the information provided on the back imprint dates the photo between the twelve year period 1869-80.

Card Stock and Image Size:

The square corners on this carte de visite indicate a pre-1870 date, but the full image size was not used until 1874 and onwards. Based on this information we can refine the date range down to a seven year period 1874-80.

Background research:

Additional background research undertaken by +Paul Cooper into the lives of the Goodlet and Copeland families has revealed that Rev. Joseph Copeland, his wife Elizabeth and their three children arrive in Sydney from the New Hebrides on 29 September 1873. In April the following year Rev. Copeland returned to the New Hebrides, but then returned again in December 1874. Accompanied by his wife Elizabeth and two of their children, the Copelands departed for the New Hebrides in April 1875. Based on the other Copeland family member portraits taken by photographer David Scott (in particular his wife Elizabeth Copeland), it is assumed that the photos were taken at the same time.

Taking into account all of the above information it is estimated that the photograph was taken in early 1874.

unknown male by John Adamson & Son [carte de visite]

Photo details:

Title unknown male by John Adamson & Son Date 1872-73 Collection Georgina Auld nee Muir photo album Digital ID apc-000024 Photo Type Carte de visite Mount Size 64 x 105 mm Mount Thickness 0.670 mm Mount Colour Cream Mount Edges Straight Mount Corners Round Mount Border None Image Size 60 x 95 mm Technology Albumen Features Front Imprint Small text Back Imprint Medium sized, text and script

Front face Rear face

Front face:

unknown male by John Adamson & Son (front face) [Auld Photograph Collection apc-000024-s1]

Larger version on Flickr

Photographers imprint on the front face reads:

ADAMSON & SON GLASGOW & ROTHESAY

Rear face:

unknown male by John Adamson & Son (front face) [Auld Photograph Collection apc-000024-s2]

Larger version on Flickr

Imprint on rear face is medium sized and includes both text and script. Inscription of the text reads as:

JA&S [logo]
PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTISTS
126 SAUCHIEHALL ST.
GLASGOW
John Adamson & Son [script on 45 degree angle]
AND
VICTORIA STREET
ROTHESAY.

See John Adamson & Son, Glasgow, SCT [Photographers] for more information on when John Adamson & Son operated their photographic studio in Glasgow, As discussed in that post, the documentary evidence based solely on the information provided on the back imprint dates the photo between the two year period 1872-73.

unknown female by John Adamson & Son [carte de visite]

Photo details:

Title unknown female by John Adamson & Son Date 1872-73 Collection Georgina Auld nee Muir photo album Digital ID apc-000023 Photo Type Carte de visite Mount Size 64 x 105 mm Mount Thickness 0.670 mm Mount Colour Cream Mount Edges Straight Mount Corners Round Mount Border None Image Size 60 x 95 mm Technology Albumen Features Front Imprint Small text Back Imprint Medium sized, text and script

Front face Rear face

Front face:

unknown by John Adamson & Son (front face) [Auld Photograph Collection apc-000023-s1]

Larger version on Flickr

Photographers imprint on the front face reads:

ADAMSON & SON GLASGOW & ROTHESAY

Rear face:

unknown by John Adamson & Son (front face) [Auld Photograph Collection apc-000023-s2]

Larger version on Flickr

Imprint on rear face is medium sized and includes both text and script. Inscription of the text reads as:

JA&S [logo]
PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTISTS
126 SAUCHIEHALL ST.
GLASGOW
John Adamson & Son [script on 45 degree angle]
AND
VICTORIA STREET
ROTHESAY.

See John Adamson & Son, Glasgow, SCT [Photographers] for more information on when John Adamson & Son operated their photographic studio in Glasgow, As discussed in that post, the documentary evidence based solely on the information provided on the back imprint dates the photo between the two year period 1872-73.

John Walker and two unknown individuals by Robert Baxter [carte de visite]

Photo details:

Title John Walker and two unknown individuals by Robert Baxter Date 1880 Collection Georgina Auld nee Muir photo album Digital ID apc-000079 Photo Type Carte de visite Mount Size 63 x 106 mm Mount Thickness 0.620 mm Mount Colour Cream Mount Edges Straight Mount Corners Square Mount Border Single black line Image Size 57 x 98 mm Technology Albumen Features Front Imprint None Back Imprint Small sized, text and artwork

Front face Rear face

Front face:

John Walker and two unknown individuals by Robert Baxter (front face) [Auld Photograph Collection apc-000079-s1]

Larger version on Flickr

Originally I had marked the photograph as unknown, but by making comparisons with other photographs in the album, I believe the individual on the left to be John Walker. A previous blog post on John Walker by David Scott [Carte de visite] shows John Walker in 1876. Research by +Paul Cooper has revealed that Walker arrived in New South Wales during 1876.

This particular photograph appears to show a slightly older Walker. A close-up comparison follows and shows John Walker in 1876 (left side) compared to John Walker in this photograph (right side).

Close-up comparison of John Walker
[Note: click on image for larger view]

For dating purposes and based on the above comparison we could assume approximately five years plus or minus two years between photos.

Rear face:

John Walker and two unknown individuals by Robert Baxter (rear face) [Auld Photograph Collection apc-000079-s2]

Larger version on Flickr

Imprint on rear face is medium sized and includes both text and artwork. Inscription of the text reads as:

ROBERT BAXTER
Artist - Photographer
YOUNG.

Researching the photographer Robert Baxter has been elusive, but Sandy Barrie's fantastic book and resource titled Australians Behind the Camera - Directory of Early Australian Photographers, 1841 to 1945 has been invaluable.

It appears Robert Baxter was a travelling photographer who operated under his own name throughout the period 1870 to 1903. He is recorded in the following regional towns of southern New South Wales - Campbelltown, Yass, Coma, Queanbeyan, Young, Merimbula and Wollongong. In regards to operating from Young, where this particular photograph was taken, there are two time periods listed in Sandy Barrie's publication - December 1873 to January 1875 as well as during the year 1880.

Taking the dates that Robert Baxter was in Young and overlaying the information when John Walker arrived in Australia, we can date the photograph to the year 1880.

Additional references

• Barrie, Sandy (2002). Australians Behind the Camera - Directory of Early Australian Photographers, 1841 to 1945. S. Barrie. Sydney South.

William Barclay by David Scott [Carte de visite]

Photo details:

Title William Barclay by David Scott Date 20 January 1876 Collection Georgina Auld nee Muir photo album Digital ID apc-000114 Photo Type Carte de visite Mount Size 68 x 107 mm Mount Thickness 0.600 mm Mount Colour Natural Mount Edges Straight Mount Corners Square Mount Border Single red line Image Size 60 x 87 mm Technology Albumen Features Oval picture mask Front Imprint Small lettering and crest Back Imprint Medium sized, text and artwork

Front face Rear face

Front face:

William Barclay by David Scott (front face) [Auld Photograph Collection apc-000114-s1]

Larger version on Flickr

Photographers imprint on the front face reads:

DAVID SCOTT, Successor.
W. BRADLEY, 140, PITT STREET.

The name written in ballpoint pen on the front face is 'Alfred Collingbourne'. This name is fictional and does not correspond to the individual identified. As mentioned in a prior post, the history of the ballpoint pen also needs to be taken into account. With this additional information we can safely say that the name was written well after the date that this photo was taken.

Rear face:

William Barclay by David Scott (rear face) [Auld Photograph Collection apc-000114-s2]

Larger version on Flickr

Imprint on rear face is full sized and includes both text and artwork. Inscription of the text reads as:

BY APPOINTMENT
PHOTOGRAPHER
TO
H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh, K.G.
WILLIAM BRADLEY
Artist Photographer
140, PITT STREET,
SYDNEY,
Opposite Mort's Passage,
Next to Richardson & Wrench's.
CASH ON DELIVERY.

Hand written on the rear face is also an identification and date which reads:

Wm. Barclay
Ship Northampton
20th Jany
1876.

Destination Hong Kong

A search on Trove reveals a Captain William Barclay, commander of the ship Northampton, is set to sail on Saturday 22 January 1876 from Circular Quay.

Source: Advertising. (1876, January 22). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1.
Retrieved September 3, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13367837

It appears from both newspaper articles and information provided online via the Mariners and ships in Australian Waters website, William Barclay and the ship Northampton were also regularly travelling between London and Sydney.

What is the connection?

Additional research provided by +Paul Cooper has revealed a William Barclay (Shipmaster) in Saltcoates appeared in the same parish register as the Reverend John Auld's birth. So it is possible that the family know of each other from their time spent growing up in Ayrshire.

Additional references

• Mariners and ships in Australian Waters. (1999). Northampton. Retreived September 5, 2013 from http://mariners.records.nsw.gov.au/1873/04/074nor.htm
• Mariners and ships in Australian Waters. (2003). Northampton. Retreived September 5, 2013 from http://mariners.records.nsw.gov.au/1871/06/031nor.htm

John Walker by David Scott [Carte de visite]

Photo details:

Title John Walker by David Scott Date 1876 Collection Georgina Auld nee Muir photo album Digital ID apc-000077 Photo Type Carte de visite Mount Size 63 x 103 mm Mount Thickness 0.675 mm Mount Colour Light Yellow Mount Edges Straight, gold gilt Mount Corners Round Mount Border None Image Size 60 x 96 mm Technology Albumen Features Front Imprint Small lettering Back Imprint Large sized, ornate text and artwork

Front face Rear face

Front face:

John Walker by David Scott (front face) [Auld Photograph Collection apc-000077-s1]

Larger version on Flickr

Photographers imprint on the front face reads:

David Scott, Sydney.

Rear face:

John Walker by David Scott (rear face) [Auld Photograph Collection apc-000077-s2]

Larger version on Flickr

Imprint on rear face is full sized and includes both text and artwork. Inscription of the text reads as:

FROM THE
Photographic
Studio
OF
David Scott
SUCCESSOR TO WILLIAM BRADLEY
SYDNEY

On the rear is also the printers mark which reads:

Marion, Imp. Paris.

Hand written on the rear face is also an identification and date which reads:

John Walker
1876

The identification is also written in the album as:

Rev. J. Walker

.

Joseph Paxton by Hemus & Hanna [Carte de visite]

Photo details:

Title Joseph Paxton by Hemus & Hanna Date 1877±1 Collection Georgina Auld nee Muir photo album Digital ID apc-000108 Photo Type Carte de visite Mount Size 64 x 105 mm Mount Thickness 0.745 mm Mount Colour White Mount Edges Straight Mount Corners Round Mount Border Single thick gold line Image Size 60 x 97 mm Technology Albumen Features Oval picture mask Front Imprint Small lettering Back Imprint Medium sized, text and artwork

Front face Rear face

Front face:

I am very appreciative of the assistance of fellow researcher Paul Cooper, whose help has been invaluable in identifying the individual in this particular carte de visite as Joseph Paxton.

Joseph Paxton by Hemus & Hanna (front face) [Auld Photograph Collection apc-000108-s1]

Larger version on Flickr

Original has been cut and reduced in size slightly at the top with the top corners squared. Photographers imprint on the front face reads:

HEMUS & HANNA.

The name written in ballpoint pen on the front face is 'Erasmus Wellsted'. This name is fictional and does not correspond to the individual identified. As mentioned in a prior post, the history of the ballpoint pen also needs to be taken into account. With this additional information we can safely say that the name was written well after the date that this photo was taken.

On a recent visit by Paul Cooper to view several of the Auld albums that I have in my possession, Paul identified Joseph Paxton immediately. It so happens that Paul is currently researching Paxton and recognised his photo as being similar to an illustrated engraving that was published in Australian Men of Mark. Further investigation revealed a three page biography (pages 273-275) including the illustrated plate for Joseph Paxton (see below) appeared in Australian Men of Mark Volume 2.

Australian men of mark. Vol. 2., Illus. with authentic portraits. Charles F. Maxwell, Sydney. p 273.

Joseph Paxton passed away 18 May 1882 and an obituary was printed in the Australian Town and Country Journal the following month.

The Late Joseph Paxton, Esq., J.P. (1882, June 3). Australian Town and Country Journal (NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 17. Retrieved August 13, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70969656

Accompanying this article was an illustration of slightly older Joseph Paxton, which reinforces the identification that has been made of this carte de visite.

The Late Joseph Paxton, Esq., J.P. (1882, June 3). Australian Town and Country Journal (NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 17. Retrieved August 13, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70969656

Research into the Auckland based photographers (see detail below in regards to rear face) puts the age of the carte de visite between 1875-85. The death of Joseph Paxton further narrows this date range down to 1875-82.

In regards to placing Joseph Paxton in New Zealand, additional research uncovered by Paul Cooper has also revealed that Paxton left Sydney on 27 November 1876 and arrived back from New Zealand on 7 February 1878. These dates help narrow the time frame down even further to 1877 ±1 year.

Rear face:

Joseph Paxton by Hemus & Hanna (rear face) [Auld Photograph Collection apc-000108-s2]

Larger version on Flickr

Imprint on rear face is medium sized and includes both text and artwork. Inscription of the text reads as:

Hemus & Hanna,
Artist Photographers
QUEEN STREET, CORNER OF WELLESLEY WEST,
AUCKLAND.
Miniature and Enlargements
Painted in Oil or Water Colors. 

See Hemus & Hanna, Auckland NZ [Photographers] for more information on Hemus & Hanna and their photographic studio in Queen Street, Auckland. As discussed in that post, the documentary evidence based solely on the information provided on the back imprint dates the photo between August 1875 and April 1885.

John Muir by William Dargavel [Carte de visite]

Photo details:

Title John Muir by William Dargavel Date 1876 ±2 Collection Georgina Auld nee Muir photo album Digital ID apc-000007 Photo Type Carte de visite Mount Size 64 x 106 mm Mount Thickness 0.55 mm Mount Colour Cream Mount Edges Straight Mount Corners Round Image Size 58 x 97 mm Technology Albumen Features Front Imprint Small purple lettering Back Imprint Medium sized, ornate text and artwork

Front face Rear face

Front face:

John Muir by William Dargavel (front face)
[Auld Photograph Collection apc-000007-s1]

Larger version on Flickr

Imprint on the front face is small text and reads "WM DARGAVEL  AYR".

Written on the page in the album where this photograph was placed is the following identification text:

Grandfather Muir (mothers father)
(Georgina's father & J.H.G. Auld's maternal grandfather)

Georgina Muir's parents are John Muir and Elizabeth Millar. John Muir was born 28 July 1800 in Kilmaurs, AYR, SCT - he was christened 3 August 1800. John married Elizabeth when he was eighteen years old on 20 March 1819. Over the twenty four year period of 1820 through to 1844, the couple had twelve children in total - they were:

• Dalrymple Muir
• Jean Muir
• Elizabeth Muir
• Mary Muir
• Hugh Muir
• Agnes Muir
• Wilhelmina Muir
• John Muir
• James Muir
• Christina Muir
• Janet Muir
• Georgina Muir

Based on the dating evidence from the rear imprint (see below), John Muir (Georgina's father) would be approximately seventy six years old in the photograph.

Rear face:

John Muir by William Dargavel (rear face)
[Auld Photograph Collection apc-000007-s2]

Larger version on Flickr

Imprint on rear face is medium sized and includes both ornate text and artwork. Inscription of the text reads as:

WM DARGAVEL
PHOTO ARTIST
4 MURRAY PLACE
Newton
AYR
NEGATIVES KEPT COPIES OR ENLARGEMENTS
CAN BE HAD AT ANY TIME
COLORED WORK IN ALL ITS BRANCHES

See William Dargavel, Newton, Ayr [Photographer] for more information on William Dargavel and his photographic studio in Newton, Ayr. As discussed in that post, the documentary evidence based solely on the information provided on the back imprint dates the photo to 1876 ±2 years.

Unknown female by Metcalfe & Glaister [carte de visite]

Photo details:

Title unknown female by Metcalfe & Glaister Date 1875 Collection Georgina Auld nee Muir photo album Digital ID apc-000106 Photo Type Carte de visite Mount Size 62 x 102 mm Mount Thickness 0.630 mm Mount Colour Natural Mount Edges Straight Mount Corners Square Image Size 58 x 90 mm Technology Albumen Features Front Imprint None Back Imprint Medium sized, text and artwork

Front face Rear face

Front face:

unknown female by Metcalfe & Glaister (front face)
[Auld Photograph Collection apc-000106-s1]

Larger version on Flickr

There is no imprint on the front face.

Although the individual female depicted in the photograph is unknown, there are several potential candidates for who it may be.

The first and most likely candidate, in my opinion, would be James Muir's first wife Elizabeth nee Coutts. As identified in the post titled Trove Tuesday : The family of James Muir, James and Elizabeth were married 15 December 1874, the year prior to when this photograph is believed to have been taken (based on the rear imprint information - see below). Combine this information with the previously identified photo of James Muir by Metcalfe & Glaister [Carte de visite], which was taken by the same photographers around the same time period.

It is also known that Georgina Auld nee Muir & James Muir's sister, Christina Muir, was also living in Brisbane, although to date it is not known when Christina arrived in Australia.

Rear face:

unknown female by Metcalfe & Glaister (rear face)
[Auld Photograph Collection apc-000106-s2]

Larger version on Flickr

Imprint on rear face is medium sized and includes both text and artwork. Inscription of the text reads as:

METCALFE & GLAISTER.
PHOTOGRAPHIC
ARTISTS.
[small print]WATSON & CO:LITH:
QUEEN ST BRISBANE.
Late
J.WATSON, 

See Trove Tuesday : Metcalfe & Glaister [Photographers] for more information on Metcalfe & Glaister and their photographic studio in Queen Street, Brisbane. As discussed in that post, the documentary evidence based solely on the information provided on the back imprint dates the photo to 1875.

James Muir by Metcalfe & Glaister [Carte de visite]

Photo details:

Title James Muir by Metcalfe & Glaister Date 1875 Collection Georgina Auld nee Muir photo album Digital ID apc-000105 Photo Type Carte de visite Mount Size 63 x 103 mm Mount Thickness 0.575 mm Mount Colour Natural Mount Edges Straight Mount Corners Square Image Size 61 x 97 mm Technology Albumen Features Embossed oval picture mask Front Imprint None Back Imprint Medium sized, text and artwork

Front face Rear face

Front face:

Through several of my earlier posts on Trove Tuesday : The family of James Muir and Trove Tuesday : Identifying James Muir, I have managed to identify the individual in this carte de visite as James Muir, the brother of the Georgina Auld nee Muir.

James Muir by Metcalfe & Glaister (front face) [Auld Photograph Collection apc-000105-s1]

Larger version on Flickr

There is no imprint on the front face.

As mentioned in my earlier post on Identifying James Muir, the name written in ballpoint pen on the front face is 'Edgar Collingbourne'. This name appears to be fictional and does not correspond to any family members that have been uncovered to date. The history of the ballpoint pen also needs to be taken into account, as the first patent for the ballpoint pen as we know it today was not filed until 1938 by Hungarian newspaper editor and inventor László Bíró. Market saturation of this type of pen varied by country, but it really didn't take off until post-war late 1940s and early 1950s. From this information we can safely say that the name was written well after the date that this photo was taken.

Rear face:

James Muir by Metcalfe & Glaister (rear face) [Auld Photograph Collection apc-000105-s2]

Larger version on Flickr

Imprint on rear face is medium sized and includes both text and artwork. Inscription of the text reads as:

METCALFE & GLAISTER.
PHOTOGRAPHIC
ARTISTS.
[small print]WATSON & CO:LITH:
QUEEN ST BRISBANE.
Late
J.WATSON, 

See Trove Tuesday : Metcalfe & Glaister [Photographers] for more information on Metcalfe & Glaister and their photographic studio in Queen Street, Brisbane. As discussed in that post, the documentary evidence based solely on the information provided on the back imprint dates the photo to 1875.