Help identify outfit of man in old CDV

I believe that this photo was taken in Muskegon, Michigan. It probably dates to the 1890's. I have several CDVs from around that area and there were a couple photographers named Hamilton working in Muskegon. I would like some help trying to identify what type of outfit the sitter is wearing. I took close photos of the patch/badge and the buttons. I was wondering if it was fraternal or possibly police/fire. Let me know if you need any other information.

 

It looks like an F and a laurel wreath on the buttons, so fire department?

 

Or is it a P(olice)?

 

Certainly looks like police. So a police chief from the late 1800s... There are a few groups you could contact in Muskegon including the police department, the public library, the historical society and the genealogy society.

Debora

 

Thanks for the replies. I'll keep digging. I will try sending off the photo to a historical society and see what I get.


Muskegon firefighters 1892. They have double rows of buttons. Looked at other photos and the two rows of buttons must have been the style.

 

"Double-breasted" is the word you want.

Debora

 

I'd vote for the 'P' Police button.

 

Looks like a copper to me too.

 

I have some of those buttons and I vote for Police. Too bad the badge is faded.

 

The badge isn't faded. The photographer used a reverse vignette to lighten the edges and give emphasis to the center. Here's another example.

Debora

 

I understand it's a technique - not sure of the terminology so I said faded. It's too bad the badge wasn't clear, though.

 

True.

Debora