Help with photo

[cindybee73]

Thanks to a cousin, I have a picture of my 3x great-grandfather which is quite exciting.  I was wondering if there was anyone on the forum who  might be able to identify the uniform he is wearing?  I have no date for the picture, other than presumably the latter half of the 19th century.  His name is James Hall Stevenson, and he was from Sheffield. 

[Shaztoni]

Try this site you have to register but its free, they seem to know who's who when it comes to army folk.
http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php

[cindybee73]

Unfortunately, they seem to deal with only the first world war, but maybe I can find someone there will more extensive knowledge. Thanks for the link.

[Shaztoni]

Try them as they did help me out with a few none WW1 photos

[Rod In Sussex]

The uniform looks like Yeomanry (ie militia cavalry), with the chain and picks on the cross belt and the knot work on the sleeve. His rank is a Sergeant, but he may have had an additional title if he was Yeomanry. He was probably a Colour Sergent, by the flags over the chevron. Also his age may point to his not being in the regular army. The stars on the arm usually depict long service.

Yeomanry was usually very local, so can I suggest you try

http://www.regiments.org/about/index.htm

to see if there is a simple link by place name. You might also want to look up the Militia Barracks in one of the old directories, that can be found under

http://www.historicaldirectories.org/hd/findbylocation.asp

Hope this is of some use,

Rod

[cindybee73]

How embarrassing, I think I totally missed this one?  Better late than never! Thanks for the info Rod, I'll check those out. 

Well, over 1 year later, anyone else have anything to add? 

[manchester regt]

cindy,hes a colour sergeant in the volunteers,[not regular army]the diamond shaped badge below the 4 stars means he was efficient in rifle drill and rifle practice,after five years of efficiency,he would be awarded a star,hes got 4,which means he was efficient for 9 years,the star between his sergeants stripes and the crown was awarded to proficient sergeants and was awarded within one year of his promotion to sergeant,he will be mentioned in his corps book of service which should be at the N/A,monsstar[roy]may be able to help,hes the cheapest and one of the best researchers around,mack

[cindybee73]

Wow, now that is quite interesting. Where did he find the time? 

Thanks for the info, I will definitely look into it further.

[harribobs]

you need to be looking at the Volunteer Battalions of his local (ie Sheffield) regiment ( pre 1908 btw)