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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: rockhopper on Monday 27 February 12 02:15 GMT (UK)
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I have this image on the Surrey site but it needs to be in this category now that I have further information -
I'm trying to identify the man in the cap and wearing the diagonal sash - he a likely a "Brooks" from Isleworth, Middlesex The family was also from Surrey.
I'm told that the uniform is probably not British which I had thought was most likely
I'm told that the photograph has been re-touched using water colour paint which was not an uncommon practice.
Other useful advice is that it is an early carte-de-viste photograph c1861 to 1867.
Also that the cap is of French kepi style and could be of the American Civil War period 1861 to 1865; and that the sash may indicate that he was a Sergeant or even an Officer.
Identification of this unusual uniform would be great
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I must say it doesn't look military to me; more like freemasonry regalia.
The Ancient Order of Foresters badge is similar:
http://www.freemasonry.london.museum/showcase/the-ancient-order-of-foresters/
Adrian
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Good evening,
Definately not military of any type so some type of order, possibly continental but could be british! Will see what I can find online.
John915
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Good evening,
Havn't had a lot of luck online but I think he could be a town mayor from somewhere on the continent. Not france as their mayors usually have red white and blue sashes. I'm thinking Belgium or that sort of area.
John915
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Thanks - I initially thought that it may have been a guild or freemasons? I have asked the London Guildhall, London Ports and Family Tree magazine but they have no solutions
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Some of the careers of Brooks men in the family around that time - soldier 56th Foot and Crimean War with medal, policeman in Surrey - on the beat at Wandsworth, watermen and lightermen on the Thames, fruiterer, labourer, tailor, eating outlets - the last 4 in greater London (Middlesex)