1930s photo help

[Frankish]

I'm hoping some of the photograph experts can help me. A friend just sent me some scans of a photo I'm interested in. The image itself is from the mid 1930s. The surface appears to have a texture I'm not familiar with. I've attached an extreme closeup of a small area that shows it well. Could this be Kodak Silk paper? Any other ideas? And does it seem consistent with a print from the 1930s (the pattern/texture, that is...the other aspects of the photo seem fine)?

Thanks!

[SAllen2556]

I don't know if you can really see the textures in the photos below, but it is, I think, similar to what you're describing. Both photos were taken by Bill Keunzel of the Detroit News. They're on a more thicker, textured paper than typical newspaper photos, especially of the time. I think it was used when the photograph was to be displayed or framed. I have a few others that are on similar paper. I think it was also used in portrait studios for baby or family photos. If you have a family photo done by a professional photographer from the 1930's or even much later, it might be on similar paper. I am NOT an expert, however, so no guarantees!

First one is the Detroit Yacht Club from around 1930. Second is U-M vs. Harvard 1929 at U of M.
detroit yacht club_hq.jpg
um photo2 copy_hq.jpg

[Frankish]

Thank you very much, Scott. That's helpful.

And those are some cool pictures. I especially like the Harvard football one.

[drcy]

Old photos sometimes have textures like that. Consistent with the age.

[Frankish]

Thank you! I was hoping that would be the answer.