Posted 11 years ago
rgutsell
(1 item)
Hallo everyone.
I am researching the uniformed gentleman in the attached images, and it would be great if you were able to offer some information about him, or insights into where to look next.
This is an original charcoal portrait, unsigned, 4' x 2.5' in a frame dated circa 1900. He has a black arm band ( Captain? Team Leader? Special event?) and he has plenty of relaxed importance. So, maybe a recently promoted man?
The cap badge is interesting. Shield design with a castellated top edge, which the artist took care to define. Is this a City badge?
He looks European, but the large number (1212)on the badge, resembles American fire service badges, or maybe a cab driver? He looks dressed for outside work, but also smart for public appearance.
The paper has a half of an impressed stamp on one edge, that seems to be Norwegian.
I have approached the V and A museum (UK), and numerous European city museums, and some American city museums, without success.
Any ideas or suggestions would be welcome!
Yours Sincerely
Robert N Gutsell
I think you are on track with European. The bibb style coat and hat are much more typical of European than US.
The moustache style was also much more common in Europe than US.
The hat plate doesn't look military, so I would think some sort of municiple service-- street car, train, police, etc...
scott
Hallo Scott
Thanks for that. Ive just spent a lot of today doing on online research into old European Fire Service uniforms and badges, but I have not achieved anything. I think I will pick up on the impressed stamp on the paper, that seems to be scandinavian or norwegian. I think I will try their fire service museums etc.
Yours
RGutsell