Posted 4 years ago
dav2no1
(820 items)
1800s George Moore Photograph 1870-1897
Picked this up recently, still doing research ..here's what I know.
George N. Moore (born ca. 1844) was an early photographer in the Pacific Northwest. Opened his studio in Seattle. Operated in Seattle between 1870-1897.
Since the back says W.T.(Washington Territory), we know Washington became a state Nov, 11 1889. So photo has to be between 1870-1889.
I'm not sure who wrote the pencil name on the back of Davidson? Still researching to see if we can find this person. I would imagine this person had some sort of significance if he had his photo taken and was dressed as he is.
The Washington Territorial Census, taken in February 1885, has an entry for a photographer named George N. Moore, born in Massachusetts circa 1844.
He photographed several community leaders from the "pioneer days" of Seattle including Seattle Post-Intelligencer publisher Charles Prosch, Judge Thomas Burke, and Father Prefontaine. He also photographed Pat Kanim (a "Puget Sound Indian" who was Snoqualmie chief) and Erasmus M. Smithers. He also photographed Roger Sherman Greene.
Nice "Territory" image. Actual statehood year is 1889.
During this era of photography a single photo doesn't denote high society. Additionally, the clothing is typical of the era and not especially fancy or expensive.
Probably a needle in a haystack to identify this "Davidson"-- good luck.
scott
Thanks I'll correct that info. Was looking at multiple dates and must've slipped for a minute thanks.
And I understand what your saying. I do have the historical society looking into this as well. Just in case it's of some sort of historical significance.
Glad to help out.
The actual cdv itself is characteristic from about 1875- 1885. Earlier cdvs would be straight corners and later cdvs tend to be thicker cardstock with a more decorative back mark.
scott
That's interesting good to know.
Here's some additional information that the historical society gave me..
Cartes-de-visites (2 1/2 X 4)
Revenue stamps were used on card mounted photographs produced between
September 1, 1864 and August 1, 1866, most frequently on cartes-de-visites
Thin stock (.4 mm) with square corners
1860 - 1870
.5mm stock with square or rounded corners
1870 - 1875
.6mm stock with square or rounded corners
1873 - 1884
.7mm stock with square or rounded corners
1879 - 1890s
1-1.3mm stock with square corners
ca 1900 - 1910*
Cabinet cards (6 1/2 X 4 1/2)
Variety of colors from
1860s to ca 1910
Maroon or dark green
ca 1880.
Gold border
pre 1885.
Scalloped edges
after mid 1880s.
Impressed border and lettering
after ca 1890.
You got some bad info on the revenue stamps.
They were required on ALL photographs-- tintypes/ ambrotypes/ cdvs and larger albumen prints. The tax was in effect from 1 AUG 1864- 31 JUL 1866. Photographs outside of this time period were sometimes erroneously affixed with a stamp due to a photographer being unaware of the start date of the tax/ repeal of the tax.
I would also add that standard cabinet cards are usually post- civil war. I have owned and handled a few 1865/ 1866 cabinet cards but ones that early are unusual.
scott
Also there are crooks who add tax stamps to much later photographs in order to increase interest in an otherwise worthless photograph.
scott
So the Seattle Public Library historian got the information from this site. Maybe this site incorrect? You know way more than I do on the subject...
https://www.vintagephoto.com/reference/dating.html
And again here..
https://lisalisson.com/how-to-date-photographs-using-tax-stamps/
I am not familiar with the sites, but the revenue tax stamp information you posted is incorrect.
I researched several years ago due to conflicting dates on the internet.
I used the actual Congressional records to check the dates.
scott