by Fred Larimore.
comments
to fbl@dca.net
Copyright © 1995-1997
This carte de visite photograph was taken by Maull & Co. located
in London, England. The photographer's number for this photograph was 47987.
The date of this photograph is between 1861 and 1867. It was probably taken
when Robert Ranken was on a leave to England. He is in the 1856 pattern
full dress uniform of a major of the 35th Madras Native Infantry.
The scarlet tunic in this photograph is simular to those worn in Her Majesty's
service and was authorized for Madras service in October of 1856. The backmark
of this photograph is shown to the right.
Regimental Identification of this photograph was determined by the officers
forage cap badge. The detail of the forage cap is shown to the left. The
badge is "35" over a scroll that contains the letters "M.N.I.". Once the
regimental identification was made it remained to determine the identification
of the individual.
The detail to the right shows the collar and medals on the uniform. The
collar shows gold lace on the top and bottom with a pip as was the 1856
pattern uniform designation of the rank of Major. The tunic facing color
on the collar and sleeves is buff. The sash over the left shoulder is
of crimson silk. The medals on the uniform are interesting. Robert Ranken
had the medal suspensions stylized to his personal tastes. The medal on
the right is the India General Service Medal with a clasp that appears
to be used as the ribbon suspension. The medal on the left is the Indian
Mutiny Medal with no clasp. Now that the regiment, rank, medals, and time
period had been determined an Army List could be consulted to determine
the soldiers identity. There was only one officer with this combination
of medals, that being Robert Ranken.
The detail to the left shows the sleeve of the uniform. This shows the
infantry officer sleeve rank distinction for the rank of major on the 1856
pattern tunic. The top two bands around the cuff are of gold lace and the
wide band on the bottom of the cuff is cloth done in the buff facing color
of the 35th Madras Native Infantry.