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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: matty1965 on Thursday 30 January 14 16:51 GMT (UK)
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Hi,
I have found this photo but can't work out what occupation he would have had. His cap seems to have some sort of waterproof cover on it, so I am thinking he had an outdoor job. I did think maybe a tram driver but haven't been able to find any similar photos. Does any one have any ideas?
Thanks
Matty
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Is he holding a truncheon? That and the armband suggest a policeman or some kind of law enforcement officer. The lapel badge might reveal a clue. Can you get a close-up of it?
It also looks like he might be wearing a kilt.
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Added: No kilt. His right hand is resting on a piece of furniture. At first I thought his leg was up.
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Hi,
I thought that might be a truncheon at first but looking at it more closely I decided it was the edge of a folded up coat - again with some waterproofing on it - but I my eyes may well be deceiving me! Here is a closeup photo of the badge.
Thanks!
Matty
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Policemen used to wear a striped armband like that.
Was he, perhaps, a special constable?
From 1910 to the end of the war, Specials were not usually issued with uniforms, but were instead expected to wear an armband just above the elbow of the left arm displaying their identification number and rank. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duty_armband
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See photograph at http://www.1900s.org.uk/1914-18-ww1-jobs.htm the lapel badge looks the same
Stan
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Snap, Jen B. I'm inclining towards police because of the armband.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duty_armband.
Is there anything written on the back, Matty? Can you date/name/or geographically locate this person?
I think Stan and Jen cracked it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_constable#England_and_Wales
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Thanks for the replies, certainly looks like a special constable then. There's nothing on the back but I think it will be around WW1 and in the South London area.
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The armband doesn't look like the WW1 Special Constable armband as per this site:
www.pmcc-club.co.uk/museum/displayimage.php?album=250&pos=0
???
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The armband doesn't look like the WW1 Special Constable armband as per this site:
www.pmcc-club.co.uk/museum/displayimage.php?album=250&pos=0
???
It says "This type of armband was worn by many special constables while on duty during World War I." not all special constables.
Stan
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His badge looks pretty similar to this one London Met Special Constabulary badge world war I era on this website. http://britishmilitarybadges.co.uk
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Fide et Fortitudine beat me to it; I was just about to post the same badge:
http://www.sallysbadges.com/viewphoto.php?x=0
Photo found by clicking on "WW1 Police Reserves" on the home page of http://www.sallysbadges.com/home.php, but there are lots and lots of badges on that site to browse through if you don't agree!
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Special Constables Bristol 1915 http://www.flickr.com/photos/46122021@N03/7871141300/ note armbands.
Stan
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Hi
Definitely Metropolitan Special Constabulary 1914-18