Help with photgraph description of soldier

[bibbypj]

Hi
I wonder if any army or uniform experts may be able to give us any clues from the following description of a family photograph (which unfortunately seems to have vanished).

The photograph (or portrait) is of a soldier. He is around 25-30 years of age.
The photo is a posed photo in matt black and white about 2 feet square (2’ x 2’)
He is sat on a chair.
He had, I believe, a high neck uniform jacket with “Sam Brown”- type Belt across his chest with a pouch attached.
He was wearing a “Sun helmet” (Pith Helmet with, I believe, a feather on one side - Left).
He possibly had a sword between his legs.
He was wearing boots and puttees.

The person (who may or may not be the person in the picture) I am trying to find information about is:
Chelsea Pensioner born around 1827/8.
Likely to have served a significant period in the army between 1845 and approx. 1875, possibly overseas for a good length of time.


Any clues (or hunches) as to when or where he may have served, what type of soldier he was or any branch/regiment would be gratefully received.
Paul Bibby

[bibbypj]

Hi
Has no-one any ideas on this description?

I would be grateful for anyone who has any information at all, such as possibilities or hunches as to what any of the items represents.

I appreciate its difficult without the photo, but something must "click" with somebody? No?

Thanks
Paul

[SallyCat]

Paul, I have no idea on your query as to what your ancestor would have been, but I have been looking for my own ancestor and came across this website that seems to have a lot of photos which might help you determine some more details.

http://www.regiments.org/nations/europe/uk.htm

I was reading somewhere that in many cases officers were issued those 'sam browne' type belts for their swords around the 1850s



Good luck
Sally 

[Wendi]

Hi Paul

Perhaps this might help, it's the NA guide to reseaching a pension from 1702 to 1913

http://www.rootschat.com/links/0d1/

You might think about posting what you know about

The person (who may or may not be the person in the picture) I am trying to find information about is:
Chelsea Pensioner born around 1827/8.
Likely to have served a significant period in the army between 1845 and approx. 1875, possibly overseas for a good length of time.

Wendi

[bibbypj]

Hi Wendi
We have exchanged info. already on this topic, see: http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,156129.0.html

However, the details of this photo have only come to light since then and I don't know if it is or is not the person (James Bibby) that I am looking for. It seems a good bet, but I am trying to find out more from the family now.

I am hoping some "clues" from the photo, (such as the one posted above by SallyCat) might offer additional info. on where to look for more information.

Paul Bibby

[harribobs]

Paul

unless you find the photo, you haven't really got a hope

all you have done is roughly described a uniform. in order to identify a regiment you need to see the uniform and badges in detail

[bibbypj]

harribobs-
I know that this is a long-shot, but I have very little to go on. The photo would help but, even if we can locate it, it was remembered to be in very poor condition then (about 40 years ago!) so would probably be even worse now!

I hoped that someone might be able to give me some clues as to what any of the items mentioned represented, so I can put them together with what we know and come up with some ideas.
For example:
Sun helmet (Pith) feather on one side - could this represent India or similar country
Sword between legs - cavalry or infantry man?
Puttees - again, service in India?
Sam Brown type belt & pouch - possibly an officer?

I don't expect anyone to say definitively "This or that regiment" because we don't have that info available, but some idea on where he could be serving or type of soldier might help a little bit.

Many thanks for your interest

[themonsstar]

Hi Bibbypj
just looking at Dress Regulations for 1900/ & 1911 there are:
1.Helmet-Colonial pattern.
2.Helmet with Khaki Cover.
3.Helmet-West African Regt/ Chinese Regt.
4.Pith Hat.
(all from DR 1900)
5.Helmet Universal, Foreign Service, in Khaki (DR,1911). all of the above, may look like "Pith Hat" to some people. You need to get a book on dress uniforms, for the time (1845-70)

I agree with Chris without a photo you are lost. best of luck