Men’s Neckwear in Old Photos (From My Mailbag)

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In this era of digital imaging, it seems like everyone has a scanner. That’s not entirely true, which is why the submission guidelines for this column, “How to Submit Your Photo” includes a mailing address. You can send me a letter and a copy of a photograph (NO originals, please) and possibly see your photo featured in this space.

Barbie Clements sent in this picture.

She found it in her great-grandmother’s photos. There’s no caption on the back. Her question: “Can you tell me the approximate time period and if he is wearing a preacher’s collar?”

In the 1880s, men wore their ties under their shirt collars. Tight fitting jackets were the style for men in that decade. While this man’s neckwear has the appearance of a clerical collar, you can see part of his tie right above the top button of his jacket.

Next week, I’ll be back with another photo from my mailbag.

Solve your family photo mysteries with these books by Maureen A. Taylor:

Preserving Your Family Photographs

Fashionable Folks: Hairstyles 1840-1900

Finding the Civil War in Your Family Album

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