Mamma's Album des Roses. Photo Supplied.
This beautifully crafted, leather-bound photo album has the following inscription inside: 'To Mamma, Christchurch, Christmas 1881, from Fred with love.'
Perhaps you know who Fred and his mother were?
Is it safe to assume Fred's mother was an avid rose gardener? Did she have a vast or small garden herself?
Or maybe she had a keen interest in photography or collecting postcards?
The choice of such a delightful gift, and the warm term of endearment, certainly suggests Fred was a loving son. It might even be fair to assume that Fred put considerable time and thought into choosing this album as a Christmas gift for his mother.
Now, after all this time has past, we're putting our time and thoughts into finding out about Fred and his mother and, if possible, returning this charming gift to the family, its rightful owners.
