Dating Portraits - Lines, Frames and Geometric Patterns

Darrah distinguishes four types of framing motif:

• Simple oval frame of one or more lines
• Oval frame with decorative elements
• Oval frame with hanging tassels and cord
• Orname rectangular frame

The presence of faint geometric designs, and sometimes floral patterns, can be seen on the backs of some CDV's and Cabinet Cards. These are not part of the photographer's imprint, but cover the entire back of the card, and are most commonly the same color as the back of the card, only slightly darker.

Dating:

One or two line rectangular border near the front edge - 1861-69 or later.

Oval frame for picture, sometimes printed, other times embossed in the card - 1863-68

Faint geometric patterns on backs of cards in the 1881-88 period.

Observations:

We have an example of a floral pattern on the back of a card from Denmark, which, if accurately dated, precedes Darrah's dating by a few years, being from 1876. So perhaps this style began in Europe, and only later became popular in the US.