WWI Australian soldier portrait in timber frame in shape of Australia

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c. 1915 - 1919

Overview

Real Photo Postcard (RPPC) studio portrait of a World War One Australian serviceman mounted in the centre of a stained plywood timber frame in the shape of Australia.
The soldier is wearing his uniform including slouch hat, tunic, johdpurs, puttees and boots. He has a bayonet in its scabbard attached to his belt. There is a decorative screen behind him.
The frame has decorative mouldings attached in the form of floral sprigs (possibly wattle flowers) either side of the portrait, the word 'Australia' on a scroll above and a rectangular border of circular beads.
The mouldings on the frame are shiny and appear to be made from some form of early plastic. However, they may also be made from plaster. Without scratching the surface, the composition cannot be verified.
The frame has been renovated and has modern metal fasteners through which a cord is attached for hanging. The rectangular area behind the portrait is sealed with card and tape.

Historical information

The name of the Australian Imperial Force serviceman in the portrait is unknown. When the frame was renovated, the RPPC was examined for any information, but was blank.
Studio portraits were commonly taken at enlistment and also when the servicemen were overseas to be sent home to loved ones as keepsakes. Decorative frames such as this map of Australia were made or sold to hold the portraits.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00836

Item type

Collectibles

Decorative Objects

Photographs

Souvenirs

Themes

Social History

War and Conflict

War and Conflict > World War 1