A large photograph on card of a sailor of the vessel Winifred, c.1900–1920s

A large photograph on card of a sailor of the vessel Winifred, c.1900–1920s

A striking and evocative large‑format gelatin‑silver photograph, depicting a sailor in full maritime attire. He wears a traditional seaman’s jersey with the ship’s name WINIFRED across the chest and a matching cap with its original tally(ribbon) bearing the ship’s name — a classic marker of early 20th‑century working‑vessel service.  The jumper  labelled WINIFRED, combined with the cap tally indicates the sitter served in a civilian or merchant setting, most likely aboard a modest commercial or coastal vessel rather than a military ship.These highly personal photographs were often commissioned by crew members or their families, serving as mementos of time at sea, and this example captures the quiet pride and dignity of a working seaman of the period. The process used was that of a gelatin‑silver print — the dominant photographic process of the period — mounted on its original backing and presented behind glass in a dark‑stained wooden frame with a gilt slip. The large‑format negative has allowed for exceptional detail in the sitter’s features, uniform, and lettering.

It is rare to find a surviving photo of the period with a crew member with the name on their jumper.

There were a number of vessels at the time under the name Winifred and further research may yield results.

In original oak frame, in good condition, with light silvering to the surface in places, mild toning to the mount, and age‑appropriate wear to the frame. Mounted behind glass.

Measurements: Frame 65 cm × 52 cm

 British, c.1900–1920s

***Price includes UK mainland postage***