Help With An Old Photo?

[BryanC]

I found this old photo in a desk being thrown out. It measures 3 1/2 inches by 5 3/4 inches. It's not a real heavy paper but not light, either. It has a sepia tone to it, but at an angle, it has a silver shine in the darker areas. Any help in what type of photograph this is? Also, about the subjects in the photo...a nurse and a nun, or...? Any hints about a general time period? Unfortunately, there's no other information with the photo. I have been doing some searching, but really haven't found much help as of yet.

[Izzy]

As far as I can tell they are French Victorian era Nuns.

Reference:



This looks to be from the late 1800's by the shoes. That I understand they went out of favor about 1920's. To give you ref this is about WWI

[Izzy]

One more thing.

The nun in black is the senior nun. The one in white is a novice nun.

[Izzy]

Ok I cant get enough of this goose chase

I think the picture was taken with a No. 3A Autographic Kodak, fitted with Rapid Rectilinear lens and Kodak Ball Bearing Shutter, for pictures 3 1/4 x 5 1/2.

The camera looked like this.

Historical Cameras: Kodak: No.3A Autographic Special

I only know all this cr@p because I feel you must know everything you can including what camera shot it and it materials to properly restore and image.

The "sepia" you are seeing is about twice as strong as it would have been the day it was shot. As they age they yellow more.

[BryanC]

Hey, thanks for that info. Your photo pretty much proves they were nuns. My first photo of the old photo is a little off in white balance or something. In person, the sepia isn't that strong, but definitely has a sepia tint to it. Your camera info definitely seems a strong possibility, also. I did get some other help regarding that silver shine to it. It's called 'Silver Mirroring' and is a natural deterioration in silver based prints where the silver ions migrate up to the surface.

I found this photo about a year ago and it would have ended up in the landfill. For some reason, I couldn't let it go like that. I thought it would be interesting to find out whatever I could about it. As time allows, I'll be doing more searching for clues as to date, possible location, and even the slim chance of identifying the subjects. Thanks again!

[Izzy]

Felt good to get the detective out to play and I thank you for the challenge. My responses were a collective effort by my wife and I - we like puzzles like the one you presented. I figured rough date time, she figured the nun part, and then I followed up with the camera (which I am not totally sure is correct - but it has to be close).

Glad we could be of some help. Happy hunting