Early 20thC Uniform help needed

[Chris Dale]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone here could help me to identify a uniform? Is the officer Japanese or possibly Chinese? Can anyone date the photo roughly from this uniform?

Any help would be appreciated,

Cheers
Chris

[hisashi]

He doesn't look like a Japanese militaryman. The only double-breasted uniform of IJA was a formal ware, but it was dark blue. He is wearing riding breeches so he must not be a navy. Belt is far from IJA regulation. If he belonged to one of Chinese military cliques, I have no idea what was the standard.

[Chris Dale]

Thanks Hisashi,
I guess that rules out the IJA...
Cheers
Chris

[hisashi]

I noticed his kepi cap resembles Joseon(Korea) army cap before 1910.
http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%95% ... e_Army.jpg

I cannot find any pic of Joseon army coat, but Joseon army (or police) is a promising candidate.

[Chris Dale]

Thanks again for the clue. I'll look into that option too...

Cheers
Chris

[Wellgunde]

The uniform appears to be Chinese. It's too bad we can't get a clearer view of the cap device. I took a look at Phillip Jowett's Chinese Warlord Armies 1911-1930 (Osprey Men at Arms No. 463) but did not find anything remotely similar.

Wellgunde

[Chris Dale]

Thanks Wellgunde for the thought and for looking up the cap badge. I think you're probably right about him being Chinese. I'm asking the same question now on the Chinese section of this forum to see if I can get confirmation-
http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic. ... &p=1862087

Cheers
Chris