It shows a young sailor (aged 17 - 20?), posed in Wakefield's studio, as if on board, with a seascape behind. The orignal photo has a round-cornered mount 'Reproduced by Wakefields Chiswick & Brentford'. This was known as a 'cabinet card' and the round corners were used from the 1870s until 1900.

The subject's hat band shows his ship was 'H.M.S. Lion'. There have been several RN ships of this name, I think this will be the training ship used between 1871 & 1904. I think the photo dates from 1885-1900 and if so the subject was born around 1855-1885.

If you recognise this local man please get in touch.

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