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I found this photo in a box I inherited from my grandmother. The photo is on heavy card-like stock, but there is no writing or any markings on the back. My grandparents were born in Germany, but came to the USA in the 1920s and lived for some time near Peru, Illinois, and then later settled in Chicago. I have no idea if this photo is from Germany or from the USA. Any help identifying anything at all about this photo would be greatly appreciated.

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    This does not look to me like a post-1920's American photo. I would guess it is of a generation or 2 older than that of your grandparents'. I would guess that the older male figure might have been a policeman or fireman, or other civic functionary, whose ceremonial uniforms in Germany in the late 19th century had swords. The fancy cuff decoration made me think of a naval uniform, but the lack of lace and insignia and badges and so on on the chest makes that seem unlikely.
    – kimchi lover
    Dec 30, 2021 at 1:42
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    Wrong sword for Imperial German Navy. Got one on the shelf over my head at the moment - black leather scabbard with brass fittings, lion's head pommel, slight curve to blade. Note also sleeve stripes are not German navy pattern and that the gent sports plain edged shoulder straps, also not navy. Agree that this is some sort of civil service uniform, probably sometime after 1870.
    – R Leonard
    Dec 30, 2021 at 19:33
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    Thank you to all that have responded so far. I really appreciate it. I cannot identify anyone in the photo, and it remains a complete mystery to me. My grandparents were born around 1908 in small towns near Bonn, Germany. It sounds like you all feel this photo was likely taken in Germany, and not in the USA, which could very well be the case. Would it be helpful if I posted a hi-res closeup image of the medal on the man's chest, or any other part of the photo? Thanks again!
    – wjh33
    Dec 30, 2021 at 22:17
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    @wjh33 - Yes please! Good things to get details of would be the medal, the shoulders, the cuffs, the buttons (yes, the buttons), and the saber hilt.
    – T.E.D. ♦
    Dec 30, 2021 at 22:18
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    It would also be nice to see an enlarged version of the photos in the album on the lap of the young woman.
    – kimchi lover
    Dec 31, 2021 at 14:54

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