Nellie in military uniform

[familydar]

This photo, postcard size from memory, was amongst a number inherited through my father's side of the family, but who exactly was the original custodian of the photo he's no longer able to say.  I scanned it more than 15 years ago and could possibly get a better scan now, if necessary.  I could also scan the back if it will help.

Whilst it would be lovely to have it tidied up, my main reason for posting it here is that I now have a potential candidate for the subject, but a lot depends on how old the lady looks to be, and the year the photo might have been taken.  So over to the Rootschat experts 

Jane :-)

[ShaunJ]

WW1 era - a private soldier's uniform worn with ladies boots. A stage outfit?

[Milliepede]

She looks a lot younger than the background that's for sure.  I would say early 20's if that, possibly even 18.

I wondered if it was a stage outfit too.

[Jebber]

Would guess at c1918 -1925 studio photo, dressed in photographers costume as was popular at that time. I agree age early 20s.

[familydar]

Might the uniform pre-date WWI?  The year I have in mind is 1912.

Jane :-)

[ShaunJ]

Might the uniform pre-date WWI?  The year I have in mind is 1912.

No - it's a "Utility" tunic which was first introduced in 1914.

[familydar]

And I had such a lovely theory, blown out of the water!

To explain, my father had an aunt who, legend had it, was named after a close family member who was an actress who married a doctor.  Turns out that the woman who married the doctor (her third husband) was the mother of the one with theatrical connections, whose husband was a theatre manager.  So elements of truth in the legend.  But neither woman was Nellie nor a candidate for this photo - much too old.

The Nellie who was a candidate was born 1891, the great-niece of the one who married the doctor, 1C1R of the wife of the theatre manager.  I suspect now it isn't her, since she would have been 25 in 1914.

The theatre manager died 1912 (suicide).  There was a fundraiser matinee performance in September 1912 and I wonder if young Nellie might have done a "turn", this photograph being possibly the only remaining evidence.  But it seems it can't be.

More info in the Times 9th, 12th & 15th July and 11th Sept 1912, the theatre manager was Charles Dundas SLATER.

Thank you everyone.

Jane :-)

[barryd]

Leather Bandoleer is early or pre WWI. No Regimental buttons visible. Confirms that the uniform is probably a stage costume.


Get year air cut soldier !!!!!!

[Trishanne]

A tidy up as requested
Pat