Military Uniform Possible 1860's

[Erlang]

The scan below has been emailed to me by a distant branch of my tree. Unfortunately a better scan is not possible (at the moment)

It might be of my GG Grandfather born 1843, he is present in Chelmsford 1851, but missing in 1861, and back in 1871. Family stories talk of overseas travel on clipper ships.

http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/1571/sayersg4nov111.jpg

Thanks in advance

[Erlang]

I wondered if it was a Enfield Pattern 1853 Rifle-Musket

http://en.
wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattern_1853_Enfield

In service 1853 to 1867

[leonardpiggin]

Nothing about the photo looks authentic .The gents stance is not military nor is the haircut.Stands like a sailor and a soldier would not hold a rifle like that.Len Piggin

[Erlang]

nothing about the photo looks authentic .The gents stance is not military nor is the haircut.Stands like a sailor and a soldier would not hold a rifle like that.Len Piggin

That would seem to fit the family stories, now of course 4th and 5th hand.

My father heard as a child that Albert had spent some years away as a young man on the Clipper ships and had traveled far and wide.

I guess that piracy was as much a problem in the 1860's as today, so could it be he was dressed to look the part on some merchant vessel, but not in some formal force like the Marines?

[Erlang]

Just a quick update on an old thread of mine.

I am a step closer to pinning this photo on my GG Grandfather.

I found the following entry in the last couple of days.
The 1861 Army Index (FMP)

Albert
Last Name Sayers
Number 449
Rank Private
Unit 56th Foot (West Essex)

Regiment Stationed at: Colaba Bombay East Indies
National Archives reference: WO12 / 6603

Anyone think the picture could link to the above information, I do realise the picture might not have been taken in 1861, but the warm climate trouser and hat covering fits quite well with the India info?

[lizone]

Erlang

You may want to contact the Essex Regiment Museum in Chelmsford. I have a photo which I thought was of a soldier from the 56th, and although I still haven't been able to identify the man or confirm he was indeed from the regiment, they were very helpful in pinpointing the date of the photo to within a couple of years.

Liz

[Erlang]

That's good to know, I will try getting in touch with them, via the email listed under Chelmsford museums.