Figure 1.--These two boys, presumably brothers, had their portrait taken during 1907-09. The portrait with a postcard back is not dated, but the four diamond AZO stamp box helps us date the image. Note that the younger boys about 5-6 years old wears a sailor tiunic while his older brother about 9 years old wears a sailor suit. Note the beach-theme background used in the studio. We suspect that the portrait was taken at a beach resort. Both boys wear black long stockings, but the younger boy is wearing sandals. A reader writes, "This is a lovely picture. Its got such a friendly feel to it. The boys look very relaxed. They seem to be happy having their picture taken."

We note sailor tunics in America made in sizes from about 2 1/2 to 8 years of age in available catalogs. This varied over time and from catalog to catalog. This range is confirmed by the photographic records, although they seem most popular for pre-school boys about 3-5 years of age. The age range for sailor tunics was a little wider than for tunics suits in general. Sailor tunics were often made in larger sizes than the other tunic styles. The older boys who wore tunics normally the sailor styles. We have seen sailor tunics made in sizes up to age 8 years in catlogs. We note mothers often dressing boys in matching sailor tunics. If the older boy was over 7-8 years old, mothers might buy an ordinary saoilor suit for the older boy. She might or might not attempt to coordinate the color or styling.

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Created: 7:54 PM 6/24/2008
Last edited: 7:54 PM 6/24/2008