Description

A daguerreotype photographic miniature. A formal half-length portrait of a young man in naval uniform, possibly Herbert Rivington Holmes prior to his promotion to Mate in 1857. As he is not wearing his Baltic Medal, awarded for serving on board HMS Neptune and HMS Cornwallis between 1854-1856, it could be before 1856. The male figure is standing and leaning against a table with his left hand resting on the edge. He is looking at the camera. The figure is wearing a uniform including a open jacket with a lot of buttons and buttoned-up waistcoat, and a hat with a badge. The belt around his waist has a substantial clap that looks to be an anchor inside a laurel wreath. The bottom left of the daguerreotype is scratched with the name 'H R. Holmes, Esq. RN', which may relate to Herbert Rivington Holmes, who was a Midshipman from 8 April 1852-14 May 1857. He became acting Mate from 15 May 1857 before becoming acting lieutenant on 19 May 1859 and confirmed in post 26 May 1860. He was placed on the Retired List on 1 April 1870 still with the rank of Lieutenant. The miniature has a gold-coloured mount with an arch-shaped aperture. The miniature is in a case that is covered in maroon-coloured leather and there is red velvet in the lid. The outside of the lid is stamped with gold lettering: '183 Strand & 443 West Strand. Mr Egerton Artist'. Jeremiah Egerton is registered as a Daguerreotype artist based at 183 and 184 Strand in the Post Office London Directory for 1852.