Cabinet Photograph
S. Mahadeo & Son - Photographer
Belgaum, Bangalore & Bombay, India
c. 1905

While some exactly which fraternal organization is depicted in an old photograph can be difficult to determine at times in this case membership in the Masons is quite clear based upon the regalia worn by this unnamed Armourer Sergeant of the 1st Battalion, the Essex Regiment. He wears four Masonic "jewels" on his tunic's left breast along with a Masonic apron and sash.

While the identity of the sergeant remains a mystery the Triple Tau emblem on his apron, he appears to have been an adherent of the Holy Royal Arch branch of Free Masonry. Based upon the 1904 date that appears on the original glassine envelope (shown below) and that 1906 date when the 1/Essex left Bangalore for Burma it seems logical to place a 1905 date on this image.