Can anyone identify or make any educated guesses about this gentleman?

[wam]

As far as I could see (and I could be wrong) this guy is wearing something with an odd top button (3 holes - they've not been used that much) and it seems to have a pattern of sorts. There's not much contrast there but the designs seem to be circles or spirals. Neither of these seem to fit with a uniform jacket. But this is something posed and professionally photographed. From that, I'd guess it was a costume of some kind or something traditional for a particular occasion (although I don't know what culture would wear patterned shirts for an occasion). The only people I can think of that would have worn dark patterned shirts at that kind of period were show cowboys (Buffalo Bill and endless lesser figures). Maybe this was the sort of thing sold at such shows although I'd expect to see a name on there somewhere.

 

[Radiorails]

Would have thought it would have interfered with their breathing apparatus

Not all firefighters wore breathing apparatus until 1960;s. It depended on the brigade.

 

[mw0njm.]

in this get up i think it would not matters if you had a beard or not

May 1936: London firefighter​

 

[mw0njm.]

Were/are firemen allowed beards?

Brigade policy is that all facial hair must be within the empty space of a face mask and must not interfere with the wearing of breathing apparatus by coming into contact with the rubber surround.

 

[anthea]

My thoughts are - that the photograph dates 'perhaps' from the Victorian or maybe Edwardian times. Looking at the hair and beard and also the patterned shirt. No hint of a uniform as far as I can see.

 

[Eric Gibson]

This cop's button has the same edge, you need to enlarge it to see properly.

 

[rabbit_biscuit]

My thoughts are - that the photograph dates 'perhaps' from the Victorian or maybe Edwardian times. Looking at the hair and beard and also the patterned shirt. No hint of a uniform as far as I can see.

Yes, Anthea, going by the photographers' studios, the photographs do date to the Victorian era

 

[rabbit_biscuit]

This cop's button has the same edge, you need to enlarge it to see properly.

Thank you! My chap's button does seem to have such a distinct X though.

 

[Tinpot]

Thank you! My chap's button does seem to have such a distinct X though.

Time to get this buttoned down folks. Prince of Wales Regiment.

 

[rabbit_biscuit]

Today I thought to try significantly lightening the photograph, and noticed (or thought I did) a few things.

1. There seems to be some sort of embroidery or something on the collar (red arrow).

2. The so-called X "button holes" do not seem properly on the button itself, as if it might not be part of the button at all.

3. There are light bits going down from the X button (blue arrow) which remind me of those chains the policemen wear (see random policeman photo). What are those chains for, by the by?

Hm. Thoughts anyone?

 

[Johnfromstaffs]

If you’ll pardon the expression, they are to hang your whistle on.

When my brother and I were little ankle biters, we always wanted to blow the various police whistles that were about at my grandparents’ house, grandad was retired, but there were two of his brood in the force, and the answer was always “not too loud or the house will be full of bobbies!”

 

[rabbit_biscuit]

If you’ll pardon the expression, they are to hang your whistle on.

Ah thank you

 

[Johnfromstaffs]

Staffs Police uniforms, including a Superintendent, an Inspector and Grandad Steve.

Resource Details - Staffordshire Past Track

Images, documents and views from the past for the area where you live, work or visit.

www.search.staffspasttrack.org.uk

 

[rabbit_biscuit]

Staffs Police uniforms, including a Superintendent, an Inspector and Grandad Steve.

Resource Details - Staffordshire Past Track

Images, documents and views from the past for the area where you live, work or visit.

www.search.staffspasttrack.org.uk

Thank you!! I'm really starting to feel like my chap might have been a copper..