letterreceiver

[Thanks State Records NSW] Between 1887 (James Barnet rebuild) and 1896 (Walter Liberty Vernon additions), see www.sydneyarchitecture.com/ROC/QUA05.htm . See also comments here - and

Note the streets paved with woodblocks. And no trams tracks. Should help us narrow the date further.

Trams were 1899; woodblocking first done in 1887 at Circular Quay - (SMH 16/8/1887, para 8) - trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/28350536 . So no closer, except the woodblocks do look shiny and new (they mistakenly used the wrong unseasoned wood and the blocks rotted - letter from John Young in SMH 3/7/1894 - trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/13958155 ) And the 'ghosts' imply a long exposure and earlier photographic techniques. I reckon this is a record of the newly completed Customs House and newly woodblocked Circular Quay in 1887. Or not?

beachcomber australia We can practically hear your brain ticking this one over! 1887-1896 is a great start and more than we had. AB

Whirr - buzz - tick - tock - bleep . . . . ! The 1887 date on the building is easier to see on this Henry King photo or the persistent URL at full zoom - from.ph/31441

Poor beast is looking a bit, well, sheepish. (Not ovine, just sheepish.)

It's great to see these old post boxes. I'm glad Australia did there own designs. Thank you for sharing them.

We're very glad you appreciate them and will mention your comment to the person behind this project, Adel Briggs. There are quite a few more images still to be included in this online collection, and this will happen soon.

Very nice shot!