[drc]

No rules are absolute. Collecting is about finding exceptions. The black and gold trimmed mount on the 1870s payer photo is very much a later style. Popular in the 1890s.

I believe 1885 as a date was mentioned. The Old Judge cabinets can date to 1887, and 1885 is only two years earlier. I would never say its impossible to find an 1885 black mount. In fact, I don't know the specific year when black mounts hit the market.

The 1875 Hartford is an odd ball. The mounting is strikingly unusual for the period.

And, in conclusion, I'd still best guess the original photo in this thread is from the 1890s. Other points made didn't alter change my opinion. It's like if people discussed how cricket or whatever ever played on a similar field as in the photo and I'd say "Those are valid points, but I still think it's baseball."