The showy West in Moline, 1912
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What it is:
Two real photo post cards, each measuring just under 3.5 x 5.5 inches.
What I know about it:
On the back of the right-hand photo is written Moline, Ill / 1912. The paper manufacturer’s markings (AZO, four triangles pointing up) indicate a date range of 1904-1918, which helps confirm the handwritten date of 1912.
Comments:
These were in the box of photos I just rediscovered. It took a bit of comparing to decide that they are two different men. Perhaps they are brothers? But they are dressed identically. Not only that, their neckerchiefs are a bit showy, and their guns don’t look especially threatening. So I’m guessing that they might be part of some sort of entertainment. Perhaps a rodeo, or a traveling Wild West show, or some other sort of employer that requires slightly flamboyant themed uniforms? Or who knows, maybe that’s just how folks rolled in Moline a century ago.
Pics of Then 
Hi Matt. Could it be that the studio would just offer this outfit to customers? I do know that I will be on the lookout for a similar outfit. I already have a gun.
Could be that, too. Hard to say. And good plan, I think you’d cut quite a dashing figure in that outfit.
I would only wear that outfit in places where it would be safe…..like wal-mart.
Perfect. I don’t think they’d even mind the guns.
Just one gun….stainless steel .38 detective special. Old school. You talking to me?
🙂