Pre war uniform identification

[punjab612]

Am trying to assist a pal in identifying the unit the chap on the right in this picture belonged to. He belives it may be a cavalry unit but I am not convinced. Also I believe it may be too early for the man to have served in WW1.

Any kind soul shed any light on it?

If it helps he lived in the Blackpool and Preston areas of Lancashire.

Peter

Sorry mods probably posted in wrong forum please feel free to move it

[captain caveman]

I have a photograph of an unknown relative in which the uniform is very similar. Although the one I have was taken around ww1.

In the photo he has the same pillbox hat same sleeve markings by the looks of it but the main difference is mine has a white belt over the tunic and idenifiable grenade badges on the collar. I always thought he was in the Artillery or horse Artillery. Maybe your photo is an older version of the uniform. I will try and see if I can copy the photo I have and upload it so you can compare and see what you think. You never know maybe someone can correctly identify mine as well. Good Luck.

regards

capt caveman

[Graham Stewart]

Taken c.1890's. Always difficult to tell as sepia was "colour blind". They appear to be wearing shell jackets more familiar with either a Corps or Cavalry unit, rather than infantry, as are the pill box caps, but there appears to be no further clues. They have twisted cord instead of shoulder straps and there appears to be no lace on the cuff. Other than that very difficult to tell.

[captain caveman]

Here we go see what you think or if anyone can identify this picture it solves my mystery

captain caveman

[Graham Stewart]

Going off the buckle and uniform - I would say Royal Engineers.

[punjab612]

Graham

Would you say the same for the guy in my first posting? Would he be wearing spurs in the RE?

Peter

[Graham Stewart]

Hi Peter,

I don't think they're engineers but they could possibly be cavalry or artillery. However there just isn't enough to go on. Identifying units in shell jackets is very, very difficult as it's the abscence of even the smallest clues i.e. cuff braid, collar badge etc, that would help. Certainly not infantry as in this mode of dress they would be wearing frock coats, with glengarry's. Of the cavalry - not Hussars as their jackets would be "frogged" and this also discounts the R.H.A., whose shell jackets are also frogged. This leaves heavy cavalry and field artillery, but I haven't got any of my uniform books here to look at.

[punjab612]

Thanks Graham I will try to get some more info or better photo

Peter