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Thread: Anyone good with images?

  1. #1
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Anyone good with images?

    Hi all, just wondered if any of the esteemed members are a whizz with old images? On the image below, there are two cars parked on the left. The further away is parked outside a shop and I would like to know the name on said shop!
    I can't make it out however I look at it, can anyone do better?
    Apparently it's a view of Government Road in Nairobi circa 1920.
    Thanks for looking all.

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    Grand Master Mr Curta's Avatar
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    Watches of Switzerland

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    Grand Master Rod's Avatar
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    Looks like some initials, T&T G Gill to me🤔

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    Grand Master VDG's Avatar
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    A quick google foo attributes image as "Government Road from Khoja Mosque end 1920. (sent by Rajni Shah)"




    Public gathering at the Khoja Mosque 1920's (Sent by Rajni Shah)






    Plenty of images in the link below, which hopefully can provide an additional info and help you to ID the shop.
    http://www.sikh-heritage.co.uk/herit...20nAIROBI.html
    Last edited by VDG; 11th June 2019 at 20:16.
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  6. #6
    I tried photoshop and http://smartdeblur.net - neither made it so I could read it. The source image is too pixelated to restore I reckon.

  7. #7
    Craftsman Ax's Avatar
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    I could not make the img better so tried my google-fu at it and I think that the view is of Bazaar Street rather than Government Road.
    The larger building is the Khoja Mosque, corner of Government Road and River Road. Given the side visible in the photo the photo should be taken from Bazaar Street based on the map in prev post.
    I'd think a register akin to linked in earlier post and an old street map is your best bet.

  8. #8
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    Looks like

    ?WATS’CHILLI

  9. #9
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Curta View Post
    Watches of Switzerland
    Not sure about that 😂
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  10. #10
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Thanks for trying guys, it’s probably not the one I’m looking for but it was worth a try!
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  11. #11
    Craftsman williemays's Avatar
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    Anyone good with images?

    The Kenya National Archives appears to be located near that mosque on the same Moi Avenue (formerly Government Road) in Nairobi. Their email is info@archives.go.ke and website is http://www.archives.go.ke. They may have city directories or other resources from the mid-1920s, if their staff is willing to help via email.
    Last edited by williemays; 12th June 2019 at 03:46.

  12. #12
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by williemays View Post
    The Kenya National Archives appears to be located near that mosque on the same Moi Avenue (formerly Government Road) in Nairobi. Their email is info@archives.go.ke and website is http://www.archives.go.ke. They may have city directories or other resources from the mid-1920s, if their staff is willing to help via email.
    Thanks might be worth a try.
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  13. #13
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by VDG View Post
    A quick google foo attributes image as "Government Road from Khoja Mosque end 1920. (sent by Rajni Shah)"




    Public gathering at the Khoja Mosque 1920's (Sent by Rajni Shah)






    Plenty of images in the link below, which hopefully can provide an additional info and help you to ID the shop.
    http://www.sikh-heritage.co.uk/herit...20nAIROBI.html
    Thanks, it’s actually the website I found the image on, there’s a lot of images on there!

    The business I’m searching for was called “May & Co. Ltd - The Sports House - Nairobi”.
    Although I can find other ‘sports house’ businesses I can’t find any records of them. I believe they might have been safari outfitters or similar.
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  14. #14
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JohnnyE View Post
    I tried photoshop and http://smartdeblur.net - neither made it so I could read it. The source image is too pixelated to restore I reckon.
    I think you’re right the original image probably isn’t clear enough but thanks for trying.
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  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by oldoakknives View Post
    Thanks, it’s actually the website I found the image on, there’s a lot of images on there!

    The business I’m searching for was called “May & Co. Ltd - The Sports House - Nairobi”.
    Although I can find other ‘sports house’ businesses I can’t find any records of them. I believe they might have been safari outfitters or similar.
    Did you look through the list I posted?

  16. #16
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bwest76 View Post
    Did you look through the list I posted?
    Sorry not yet. Tried on phone then gave up! Will have a look on Mac after breakfast.
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  17. #17
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bwest76 View Post
    Checked it but couldn't see anything thanks. Might be 1958 is too late, probably in the 1900-1930 range.
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    Grand Master VDG's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by oldoakknives View Post
    Thanks, it’s actually the website I found the image on, there’s a lot of images on there!

    The business I’m searching for was called “May & Co. Ltd - The Sports House - Nairobi”.
    Although I can find other ‘sports house’ businesses I can’t find any records of them. I believe they might have been safari outfitters or similar.
    At glance, sign above the shop next to the second vehicle on the left does say ... something in capital letters ... & Co ... something in small letters in superscript and below them... I'll pay with it once I have access to the box.
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  19. #19
    Master sweets's Avatar
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    I think it is Alibhai & Co Ltd, I think it is the same as this building (on the left), the script for "& Co Ltd" looks the same and the large (mosque?) in the centre background is the same

    Dave

  20. #20
    Grand Master VDG's Avatar
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    Right, this is the best I could do, given that there is not much of resolution to start with.

    I think I can make out with some degree of confidence capital "A" and "I" before "& Co"..



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  21. #21
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by VDG View Post
    Right, this is the best I could do, given that there is not much of resolution to start with.

    I think I can make out with some degree of confidence capital "A" and "I" before "& Co"..



    I think you're right, and sweets probably ID'd it right as Alibhai & Co Ltd. So still looking for May & Co. Ltd but it has eliminated some red herrings.

    Thanks guys.
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  22. #22
    Grand Master Mr Curta's Avatar
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    So you weren't waiting for an Alibhai

  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Curta View Post
    Watches of Switzerland
    I'm seeing SpecSavers

  24. #24
    Photo appears to be taken in Biashara Street. Tent & Sail Makers premises now occupied by Totos & Toys. Site of the mystery sign appears to be Lakhamshi House.

    (Google streetview..)

  25. #25
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Curta View Post
    So you weren't waiting for an Alibhai
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  26. #26
    I don't think it's Alibhai's, I think it's the next building along. Alibhai's canopy looks like a new addition. Look for the four slender columns under the canopy in question.
    Last edited by catch21; 13th June 2019 at 07:42.

  27. #27
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by catch21 View Post
    I don't think it's Alibhai's, I think it's the next building along. Alibhai's canopy looks like a new addition. Look for the four slender columns under the canopy in question.
    You may be right, but I don’t think it’s May & Co.
    Appreciate you looking though.
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  28. #28
    Grand Master hogthrob's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JohnnyE View Post
    I tried photoshop and http://smartdeblur.net - neither made it so I could read it. The source image is too pixelated to restore I reckon.
    They probably only had 64k sensors in their cameras back then.

  29. #29
    Grand Master hogthrob's Avatar
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    Is it odd that there's a sailmaker in Nairobi?

  30. #30
    Master sweets's Avatar
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    Did you see THIS Alamy image?
    If you download the preview, you can see May & Co written on the side of the next two-storey building to the left of this biggest one. The "May and Co" is written underneath one of the Alamy water marks, so only visible when you get the preview. See?



    Dave

  31. #31
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by hogthrob View Post
    Is it odd that there's a sailmaker in Nairobi?
    I think in those days 'sailmakers' would would make canvas covers for wagons, and make/repair tents and the like. This was likely in the period when safari's were popular in Kenya.
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  32. #32
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by sweets View Post
    Did you see THIS Alamy image?
    If you download the preview, you can see May & Co written on the side of the next two-storey building to the left of this biggest one. The "May and Co" is written underneath one of the Alamy water marks, so only visible when you get the preview. See?



    Dave
    Wow, thanks sweets, thats impressive! How did you find it? That is almost certainly May and Co. so will try to narrow down the street to look for more images.
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  33. #33
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    The big building on the corner next to it is the old Barclay's Bank building, which should help.

    The Alamy image caption mentions May and Co, so it was relatively easy to find when you put inverted commas round "May & Co" in a search.....

    D

  34. #34
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by sweets View Post
    The big building on the corner next to it is the old Barclay's Bank building, which should help.

    The Alamy image caption mentions May and Co, so it was relatively easy to find when you put inverted commas round "May & Co" in a search.....

    D
    Will try looking for Barclays in Nairobi.

    Would never have thought of putting inverted commas for a search!
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  35. #35
    Grand Master hogthrob's Avatar
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    Here's an anlternatve view of the first scene - it's definitely Alibai & Co Ltd

    https://www.alamy.com/M89Y3K

  36. #36
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by hogthrob View Post
    Here's an anlternatve view of the first scene - it's definitely Alibai & Co Ltd

    https://www.alamy.com/M89Y3K
    Cheers!

    Looks like the photo that sweets found with May & Co on is the only one so far. I don't seem to get any good results searching on Alamy for some reason.
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  37. #37
    Craftsman williemays's Avatar
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    I think this is it:



    This article says Barclay's Bank was on Moi Ave and Kenyatta Ave.

    Nairobi Sports House is next door at 33 Moi Avenue. E-mail: moiavenue@nairobisportshouse.com
    Last edited by williemays; 15th June 2019 at 20:31.

  38. #38
    Craftsman williemays's Avatar
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    One more screen shot from Google Street View:

  39. #39
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Thanks williemays, not sure if thats a later business in the same location, or a different location. I need to identify the street in sweets link I think.

    Picture without watermark

    Last edited by oldoakknives; 16th June 2019 at 00:05.
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  40. #40
    Craftsman williemays's Avatar
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    Anyone good with images?

    Image from http://www.sikh-heritage.co.uk/herit...20nAIROBI.html

    "In 1916, the National Bank of South Africa (now First National Bank) opened a branch at the junction of Government Road (Moi Avenue) and Sixth Avenue (Kenyatta Avenue) soon after establishing a branch in Mombasa....By 1921, Barclays Bank had acquired a controlling interest in Anglo-Egyptian Bank and the National Bank of South Africa....In the early 1950s Barclays put up a modern five storey building to house their head office. The building stands on Kenyatta Avenue with a return frontage to Moi Avenue." From https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/...uhz/index.html

    Sounds like the original 1916 building is in the same location as the current 1950s building.
    Last edited by williemays; 16th June 2019 at 02:30.

  41. #41
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Ah yes it’s a newer building on the same site then which threw me!

    So I think May and Co were on Government Road/Moi road perhaps.

    Next is to search those roads for pictures with May and Co on, I think.

    Thanks williemays
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  42. #42
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Well, thanks for the help finding a picture of May & Co., I don't think I would ever have found it on my own! It's probably the only one taken while they were still trading, I've certainly never found any others.

    Anyway some of you might be wondering why I'm interested in the company? It's a long story, but in short my father had the knife pictured below, which was given to him by an American in WW2. I've always been fascinated to try and trace the retailer and perhaps narrow down it's history a bit. It seems certain it would have been bought in Nairobi in the early 1900's, having been made in Sheffield.

    Thanks again guys.



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  43. #43
    Grand Master VDG's Avatar
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    Ah, I was wondering about that Anyway, if curiosity get better of you and you have some time on your hands, I'd suggest contacting one of the historians at local Uni or national museum to dig a bit deeper.
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  44. #44
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by VDG View Post
    Ah, I was wondering about that Anyway, if curiosity get better of you and you have some time on your hands, I'd suggest contacting one of the historians at local Uni or national museum to dig a bit deeper.
    Never thought anyone would be interested tbh, but you never know!
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