At first glance this private of the 1st Battalion, The Cheshire Regiment appears to be wearing Masonic regalia but in fact he is a member of the International Order of Good Templars - a temperance society. He wears two temperance medals that along with the vest-like sash were not authorized for wear - as was any fraternal regalia - and would have been taken off as soon as the photographic session was completed. Cabinet Photograph S. Dhunjeebhoy - Photographer India c 1897 |