What is he wearing - a sash? Tierney, San Francisco, c1900s

[Lisa in California]

This is another photograph of Patrick Tierney.  He was born in Ireland c1839, living in San Francisco, California at the time of this photograph.  We don't know the date of the photograph nor do we know what he might be wearing.  Any guesses/knowledge very much appreciated.  Thank you,
Lisa.

PS  He worked for a local railway (street cars) prior to 1900 and after the 1900s he was a labourer for San Francisco parks.  The only thing on the back of the photograph is his name and address (handwritten).

[jim1]

There's not much to date in this except his age. He looks around 65-70 so 1905-10 would be my guess.
There were many Orders in the UK & USA & as he's Irish I'm thinking maybe Orange Order but that would depend on which religion he was.

[macwil]

I think it could be an early (home made?) rifle scabbard, rather than any religious paraphernalia.

Or possibly a pennant lance support.

Whatever it is certainly intriguing.

[Mike Morrell (NL)]

It didn't look like a decorative sash to me (too bulky/plain) and I initially wondered whether it might be an easily accessible 'external' pocket for holding tools, food or drink. Much as some modern workmen use a tool belt.

Then I came across a description of the Irish 'brat': a blanket, folded over a couple of times and worn across the shoulder with a pin to keep it in place. These days, they're also worn as part of ceremonial dress but the origins in the 1800's were practical. The blanket gave added protection in adverse weather (cold, wind, rain). They were also a symbol of rebellion against English occupation.

My guess was that the horseman was wearing some kind of 'brat'.

See this link: https://www.shamrockgift.com/blog/traditional-dress-of-ireland-in-the-1800s/

Mike

[macwil]

Just reread the OP again.

STREET CARS

Was he a Pointsman? The scabbard could be for the long lever they used to change the points. (Total guess)

[Mike Morrell (NL)]

You didn't request a clean-up but I did a quick one anyway. Just for fun.

Mike

[jim1]

He looks too smartly dressed for him to be in working clothes so I'd still go along with Regalia.
The shadow of the horse is very short indicating midday or early afternoon. Possibly he's been involved in some sort of parade & that's why he's sitting tall (to use a local colloquialism).

[IJDisney]

I can't help with the OP query, but two things spring to my mind -

Do you think its an odd thing to have his address on the back of a photo? Would the photographer have done this - implying it was an occasion that needed the photos strictly identified so he could charge the correct people for them (and thus was a formal event with lots of photographs)? Or did Patrick give it to someone, but wanted it back (an exhibition)?

And is he sitting outside of a retail store? (the cartons? in the window, and the R. on the wall?)

[jim1]

I was drawn to the lettering too.
The last looks like an abbreviation ending in R. which leads me to believe S.F.R. (San Francisco Railway)
The others could be Depot & Stores but that's just a guess.