Unidentified uniform or costume - help please photographer was S. Edwin

[aus*jen]

This photo was found in family album which dates from 1880's.  Would appreciate help identifying
the uniform/costume which may help to identify subject.  The cap appears to have a crown.  The UK postal museum has confirmed it is not a postal uniform.  The photographer was S. Edwin, 113 Clarence Road.  No identifying town or city on photo.   The two buttons between the lapels are
distinctive.

Regards,
Jen.

[Trishanne]

 This photo is of a railwayman in the 1880s, it looks a similar uniform, each company had slightly different uniforms.    http://c8.alamy.com/comp/KRD210/a-young-victorian-railwayman-poses-in-his-uniform-date-circa-1880s-KRD210.jpg

[jim1]

The picture dates from around 1908-12.
The crown indicates to me he may be a mariner of some description.
Railwaymen tended to have the company logo on their caps.

[aus*jen]

Trishanne thankyou for the link.  The cap is different to the one in the posted photo.

Jim,  Thankyou for your comments and the date.  There is a Clarence Rd. in Portsmouth so that would agree with the possible mariner.  There is a second photo in the album, J. Long & Son Portsmouth.  Jim, do you think the young man on the right could be the man in uniform? He has the same distinctive earlobe and both have a long face.  Would both photos have been taken at a similar time?

Regards,
Jen.

[MaureeninNY]

There are a handful of newspaper adverts (all in 1906) like this:
S EDWIN, Photographer, PARK STUDIO, Near Park Entrance. 113. CLARENCE ROAD, GRAYS. PORTRAITURE in any Style Moderate Prices. Call or write for price list.

March 17, 1906 - Grays & Tilbury Gazette, and Southend Teleg...

Maureen

[John915]

Good morning,

I think Trishanne and Jim are both right, in an odd way. He could be a ferry crewman or dockside operative.

Ferries were often run by rail companies hence the jacket but worn with a MN style cap.

I have had a look but can't find any images from that era to back up my theory but will keep looking.

John915

[aus*jen]

Maureen, thankyou for the info. very helpful, have been looking for details on this photographer for quite a while without success.

Jen.

[aus*jen]

Good morning John,   Your comments are appreciated and may not be just a theory!  They have
led me to a possible family in Portsmouth.  On checking the 1901 census for this family a son has
recorded his occupation as dockyard worker, a broad term but could include ferrymen.  He was born in 1870 making him 38-42 using Jim's dates.  However, he does appear younger.

Regards,
Jen.

[Treetotal]

I think the photos were taken around the same time give or take a year or two. The buttons appear to be securing the jacket lapels as in Pat's photo....maybe this allows the collar to be buttoned up close with a mandarin style collar in cooler weather.
Carol