| A perfect example of how not to treat a antique photograph. This reverse of this image's mount was even used as a coaster under a cup of milk or possibly a small can of white paint. All that aside the photograph shows a Canadian soldier who is armed with the Ross rifle - Canada's only home grown military long arm. The Ross was developed during the Boer War after Britain refused to supply Canadian forces with enough Lee-Enfiled rifles. The Rifle served as Canada's first line long arm until the middle of World War One when its mechanical short comings dictated that it be replaced by the standard British SMLE. This photo must have been taken relatively early after the Ross' initial issuance since this soldier is still using an early leather belt pouch. He is also wearing scarlet tunic and a straw hat. One wonders if the hat was standard issue. He has one side of the brim turned up in the same manner that became so popular during the Boer War - a style thats seemed to fall out of favor by the time of the First World War except in Australia and New Zealand. Mounted Photograph 6 1/4 Inches by 5 1/4 Inches (16 cm x 13.5 cm) Blois - Photographer Canada c. 1905 |
