"While most would assume this photo dates from 1888, our research suggests that this print does not date to the nineteenth century, but was in fact made after 1900. Wendell Photographic Art Studios was in business at the address on the envelope starting in 1902, through the late teens."
This is Lifson's copy on the auction lot from 2005.
http://www.robertedwardauctions.com/.../2005/122.html
His dating of 1902 or after seems mostly to be based on the record of that particular photo studio's business address. So I think I should try to do more research on the address 78 Pearl St. for Meyrowitz Bros.
Right now it appears that is their 1880s address, which might make this particular piece a late-80s vintage (since the photo is an Old Judge pose), even if other cabinet-sized prints were made later--
Thanks for tolerating my rather blundering efforts here--
Tim