Hi
I will chime in, but I cant really add much. The large number on the back is a unique filing stamp to the archive and will provide nothing along the way of determining age of the image. It probably reference which cabinet the photo was in or something like that. The name written in pencil will also not add anything.
The sepia image is consistent with the late 1910's, but images from the 1920's could certainly be developed using the same method so nothing definitive there either.
My hunch is that it is probably fine but it is impossible to tell without looking at it in person. If the buyer wants to send it to me for inspection I would be more than happy to examine it free of charge or if they wanted to bring it to the National Convention I will be there as well.
As for the lack of PSA authentication, it can be a long process with photos and PSA will only examine the images if one of two people personally sign off on it (Marshall Fogel or Henry Yee). Both are of course perfectly qualified to offer an opinion but if their schedules did not coincide with the auction or a number of other factors could be the reason for lack of PSA authentication.
Again, nothing much to add but I don't think this was a steal at that price given the poor cut. Maybe a little meat left on the bone but its not a huge money photo even if its PSA Authenticated in my opinion.
Happy to help if the buyer or anyone else has any questions.
Rhys
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