I'm sure our ancestors would be surprised and disappointed that we now need a translation to decipher the beautiful script of old documents!  However, I know I have struggled with transcriptions and have not always been sure of myself. 

I hope the examples of 19th century alphabets on this site are of some help to others.
 

• Business Alphabet - 1891

• Business Script & Combined Signatures - 1891

• German Alphabet - 1891

• Practical System of Penmanship - 1898

• How to Read 200 A Year Old Document

• Old German Handwritten Scripts

• Deciphering Old Handwriting

• Examples of Letters of the 17th Century Found in Parish Registers 

• Old Hand Writing Examples

• Old Handwriting Styles