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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs => Topic started by: MissBea on Monday 25 June 18 23:57 BST (UK)

Title: Possible police officer?
Post by: MissBea on Monday 25 June 18 23:57 BST (UK)

Hi All
I am not sure if this picture is good enough quality [download etc] to improve, I would welcome you thoughts.
Kind regards

Title: Re: Possible police officer?
Post by: Trishanne on Tuesday 26 June 18 11:57 BST (UK)

I would say this man is definitely a police officer, with the number on his collar and he is carrying a truncheon.
Here's a try from me
Pat

Title: Re: Possible police officer?
Post by: IJDisney on Tuesday 26 June 18 12:41 BST (UK)

Hi,

I don't think that's a truncheon, but a constabulary short sword or cutlass in its sheath.

Title: Re: Possible police officer?
Post by: Regorian on Tuesday 26 June 18 13:09 BST (UK)

I think he's police in 1860's. Truncheon is 1860'd design.

Title: Re: Possible police officer?
Post by: IJDisney on Tuesday 26 June 18 19:07 BST (UK)

1860s design truncheons I have seen have a slight bulge in the middle of the handle. I don't see that in the photo. Maybe you have seen a different design? The object also seems to have a hanging strap/case around it. Did truncheons have that?

Title: Re: Possible police officer?
Post by: DrDude45 on Tuesday 26 June 18 19:18 BST (UK)

Here's my offering. Hope you enjoy!

Title: Re: Possible police officer?
Post by: MissBea on Wednesday 27 June 18 00:22 BST (UK)

Thank you all for your replies, information and brilliant clean ups. I am really pleased and impressed.

I just need to try and find out who this fine looking gentleman is. Would the 1860ish time frame be a good start?

Many thanks again

Title: Re: Possible police officer?
Post by: McGroger on Wednesday 27 June 18 07:38 BST (UK)

My try.

MissBea, I've flipped the image horizontally because I think the original would have been an old style photograph where the finished results appeared reversed. Although it's not easy to see, his coat is buttoned on the wrong side and his truncheon is also on the wrong side (assuming he's right-handed). This may also help with identifying the writing on his collar - I can't tell what it says but someone might. (My guess would be "V03" or something similar.)

Sorry, I can't really help with a date but the experts might, especially if you can amend your topic name to something like, "DATE PLEASE, Re: Possible police officer?" to attract those dating experts.

Cheers,
Peter

Added: Just noted Regorian's reply after posting the above. He would probably be on the money.
Peter

Title: Re: Possible police officer?
Post by: Regorian on Wednesday 27 June 18 07:48 BST (UK)

He is wearing a skirted jacket, not tailed jacket which suggests late 1850's and 1860 onwards. As far as truncheons were concerned Google police truncheons (images) 1850's, then 1860's. Wide variety of designs.