Need help dating mounted photo...

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Runscott

If you knew the real answer, and I had to bet, I'd put money on 1890's. The black mount and gilded edges are tell-tale signs. I think the fact that it looks like an ancient ball-game makes people overlook the mount characteristics.

There are quite a few 1880s Goodwin & Co. cdv's that have black mounts and gilded edges.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by Leon

There are quite a few 1880s Goodwin & Co. cdv's that have black mounts and gilded edges.

Not this kind of black mount.

[Matthew H]

Thanks guys, the more I look at it the more I like it.. Is the size unusual?

[Runscott]

Matt - I don't think so, but the gilded edges mean it was likely a 'standard' size, which might yield more clues as to age. I don't know the standard mount-size year ranges, but Rhys probably does.

To me it's odd that the print was not cut with clean edges, yet is on a gilded-edge mount (disorder and order mixed). Not sure what all that means, other than dating is difficult. It could be an older print re-glued onto a newer mount. The print looks older than the mount to me, but I might have different opinions of either or both if I had it in hand.

[Matthew H]

Thanks Scott, I knew a narrow date range will be tough because it's so generic.

Another interesting note; the guy standing at first base(?) and far back near the tree in the center, both appear to be African-American under my loupe.

[Matthew H]

This guy under the tree and possibly the two women in the window.

[Matthew H]

_

[aquarius31]

Hi Matt,
That's a very neat photo! Is there any sort of writing on the back of the mount or anywhere else to indicate possible photo location? I don't know if the buildings in the background are unique or not but may be one option to determine age. I know this is a stretch to say the least but have had some success on older photos where there have been page notations for example.

[Matthew H]

Thanks George, the back is blank (not black, just raw cardboard).