Hi John, sorry, I am afraid to say that I disagree with Pat. Moustaches' were not allowed in the Royal Navy, you had to have a full set (complete with beard). I would suggest something more civilian i.e. Customs and Excise.
Have just ambushed OH as he passed, he says he could well be a railway official, there were of course different railways at the time, and it needs the cap badge enlarging as that should give the info............
I must admit when i also first saw it i thought railway, but on close inspection Naval, he doesnt seem to have pride in his uniform, as he looks rather relaxed with the jacket open, dont mean to be rude.
Hi, Not being a Navy type I like most am having a stab. I think like brenmac you should look towards a merchant seaman. Two things seem like pointers to me, firstly looking at the badge with a magnifying glass it looks like an 'R' or 'K' within a lorral wreath. As it looks to be a wire badge rather than a brss one i would think it is less likely to be RN. I have seen similar badges before somewhere. Secondly, I don't think he looks scruffy and neglected. I would say his uniform is made of serge. Many years age as a fireman we wore oniforms made of this material without the usr of oilskins. It is very good at keeping one warm out in all weathers when getting wet. Note that it is double brested too. and probably buttons upto the neck to keep one warm when standing watch. If it is serge, then it is almost impossible to iron well, but it is made to be servicable not for show. As for age, I would plum for early 1900s.
Well thats my guess over !!!!
Me again, I just had a thought. If the badge is an 'R', could that stand for Railway?, but I stick by the type of uniform, that it was functional not for show. They whould have made them to last. My old Jacket is still worm after nearly 50 years. Oh, and still fits !!
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