Can anyone identify regiment and approximate date

[stpud2011]

Hi

I am trying to identify the regiment, rank and approximate date of this photo. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks
Steve

[maddys52]

I have references for FW Bannister Artist and Photographer at Newcastle upon Tyne between 1858 and 1864 (possibly later, though not certain) if that helps with dating.

[macintosh]

Possibly one of the Hussar/Dragoon Regiments, very little to go on,
try www.hussards-photos.com/UK_home.htm#Yeomanry,
The experts on the photograhic dating board may be able to date the pic.

The pillbox hat is like so many worn by cavalry/lancers/Hussars, Northumberland Hussars wore one too.

James

[jim1]

1860's & we could probably get closer if we can see the back.
He looks like he's getting on a bit & I'm wondering if he's Militia.
As an aside his beard is called a Newgate frill.

[stpud2011]

Thanks for the replies so far. Here is the back of the card.

[jim1]

You probably won't believe this but I meant to say 1870's not 1860's as it's wrong for that decade.
The back indicates 1870's & early-mid decade.

[John915]

Good morning,

Jim's dating has to make him a militia man. He is wearing the 1855 infantry tunic, changed to single breasted in 1856.

The pointed cuff came in in 1868 outlined in white braid with a chevron of white lace below. In 1871 the chevron was removed and the braiding formed into a trefoil.

So he is wearing an outdated tunic with up to date embellishments which is typical of the militia. They were often equipped with the regular army cast-offs from their parent county regt.

Cavalry tunics mostly had shorter or no skirt as in the link given. They also had plenty of braiding across the front. Not only cavalry wore pill box hats.

John915

[maddys52]

That's really interesting John, the mix of old tunic and new embellishments.

I'm wondering does the long tassel on the sword have any significance - or is it just decorative?

[starcat]

Is it just me or does he look to old to be serving in the military.