Any help to work out these arms, and the motto?

[PrueM]

Oh, I'm so glad someone else sees it, and not just me 
It was the shadows across the bottom part of the shield that initially confused me - they made the already indeterminate shapes look even more wonky. 
Still doesn't explain the garter, but perhaps now I can get back in touch with Eton College's archives people and ask them a more specific question about the combination of arms and garter.  Looking closely I think the motto around the garter is "FLOREAT ETONA" with a very large gap in the middle (top) and what I initially took to be a Y but which could just be a decorative element.
Thank you, and everyone else!
If anyone has further insights, I'm always open to suggestions

Prue

[casalguidi]

Yes, now you know he was a waterman there it may help them find something (well hopefully)

Casalguidi

[John915]

Good morning,

Regardless of who is wearing it, any badge, coat of arms etc using the royal garter has the following on it. "HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE". (Shamed be he who thinks evil of it).

Because of the poor quality of the picture we obviously can't see it all properly but that should be what is on that garter.

John915

[PrueM]

Hi John,
That was my assumption too, which is why I'm confused about the connection between the arms, which I'm fairly sure now are those of Eton College, and the garter.  My eyes do see the Eton motto on the garter, however it could be wishful thinking 
Unfortunately, this is the only version I have of the photo.
Thanks for your input

Prue

[Flattybasher9]

Prue, this is a long saga having read the threads back to 2005. Have had a read through and the arm crest seems to be a problem. The outer seems to be a "chain of office" with the shield in the middle. There seems to be an Ox-eye daisy top left, with double flowers below. Top right, figure standing, but that's all I can make out. And that was from looking at all the posted versions of the photograph.
I did come across the following, Henry Dobson, (27) bac gunner, married Lucy Griffin, (20) on 19th Jan' 1891 at Coventry. Henry's father, Jethro Dobson, waterman, Lucy's father, William Griffin, butcher, witnesses, Thomas Holtom, Abigail Fell.

Regards

Malky

[PrueM]

Hi Malky

Thank you for that marriage info which pads out the basics I already had. 
Yes, I've been on the trail of the Windsor Dobsons for quite some time.  They are my husband's family.  This Jethro - one of many - was the nephew of my husband's 3xg-grandfather and is the only Dobson for whom we have a photograph, thus my interest in dragging out every minute detail from the picture.

I'm not sure about the strap thing being a representation of a chain of office, it really does look like a garter to me - a strap with buckle and hanging end-bit (that's the technical term ).  I shall do a bit of research into the possibility.  As for the shield and charges therein, although they are indistinct I am sure it is the arms of Eton College, but I am of course open to the idea that they may not be, so will reserve judgement at least until I hopefully get some confirmation from Eton's archives.

Thank you for your input

Prue

[Flattybasher9]

Nothing to do with the motto, but have you read these :-

http://www.sloughhistoryonline.org.uk/ixbin/hixclient.exe?b.x=15&f=generic_searchresults.htm&text=Jethro%20Dobson&b.y=7&a=query&m=quick_sform&p=slough&tc1=e

Naughty man!!

Regards

Malky

[casalguidi]

Yet more confirmation of him being an Eton College waterman then ........... such an interesting topic

Casalguidi

[PrueM]

Oh dear, sounds like he was a bit of a dodgy one. Glad he's not mine!! 

Thank you for the link, Malky!