With an apparent fierceness that belies his advancing years, this old soldier wears a single clasped campaign medal as a reminder of his now long-forgotten exploits and the frontiers of Victoria's empire.

 

As is so often the case in these antique photographs, his medal is too obscured by the photographic process the determine exactly where and when he served. Based on the numbers issued the most likely medal candidate would be the 1854 India General Service Medal.  Next would be the 1877-79 South Africa Medal or possibly the 1896 India General Service medal. All three used the ornate scroll-type suspender and clasp design. Although the medals each used a distinctive ribbon, they can appear almost black or monochromatic in period photographs

Cabinet Photograph
W. Edward Wright & Sons - Photographer
223 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, London, England
c. 1900s