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I have 2 photos of my husband's grandfather Edwin Albin (1884-1962) that were taken in Minnesota in 1906. I’m hoping to find out more about the uniform Albin is wearing. Albin's father Claus August Swanson (1844–1909) emigrated from Sweden to the USA in 1869. We are not sure if the uniform belonged to Claus and he brought it here from Sweden. Man in costumeAny help identifying this uniform is great appreciated.

Claus August Swanson, 1844 - 1909 Claus föddes på dag månad 1844, i födelseort, till Sven Svensson och Johanna Svensson. Sven föddes på 26 juli 1796, i Gustaf Adolf, Skaraborg Johanna föddes på 12 januari 1801, i Habo, Gustaf Adolf, Skaraborg, Claus döptes på dag månad 1844, i dopplats. Han hade 6 syskon: Anna Stina Svensdotter, Carl Gustaf Svensson och 4 andra syskon. Claus gifte sig med Maja Stina Swanson. Maja föddes på 19 maj 1845, i Simmestorp, Travad, Skaraborg, De hade 2 barn: alvin swanson och ett annat barn. Claus avled på dag månad 1909, vid 65 år i döds plats, Minnesota.

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    It looks to me more like a theatrical costume than any uniform in use in 1906 by any military service.
    – kimchi lover
    Feb 3 at 22:02
  • 3
    Partial answer: it is not a USA military uniform.
    – kimchi lover
    Feb 3 at 23:54
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    @Jos Yooo, thing is: some retro is the design inspiration, not just 'fantasy' is the point likely to drive home in answer; similar to carnival uniforms in Cologne. Style is like kimchiaficionado identified non-frontline/non-battledress…
    – LаngLаngС
    Feb 4 at 0:33
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    @ justcal After doing more research and contacting the MN Historical Society we now believe it is a theatrical costume. The photo on the back states it was taken in 1906 at a photo studio in Mpls. Albin Aka Alvin Edwin Swanson B: 8 Aug 1884 in MN - D:29 Jun 1962 in MN
    – djswanson
    Feb 6 at 1:59
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    Yes, thats where I was at on it also. Some of the features seem 16th century, so not any active service, even in the 1800s (with the exception of some ceremonial British Yeoman Guard units.)
    – justCal
    Feb 6 at 2:03

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