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Original circa 1900–1910 cabinet card portrait of a member of the Knights of Pythias Uniform Rank, photographed by Olin H. Turner, 717 Fifth Avenue, New Kensington, Pennsylvania.
The unidentified man is shown in full ceremonial Uniform Rank dress, including a military-style tunic, dress cap, shoulder cord, ceremonial sword, and prominent helmet displayed on the table beside him.
The Knights of Pythias Uniform Rank adopted elaborate military-style uniforms and regalia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Period Uniform Rank material includes ceremonial swords, dress helmets, cords, insignia, and formal uniforms like those visible here.
This photograph has an especially nice composition because so much of the complete regalia is visible in one image:
Studio imprint along the lower mount reads:
Olin H. Turner
717 Fifth Avenue
New Kensington, PA
A documented Knights of Pythias lodge was active in New Kensington during this period, making this an appealing piece of both Pennsylvania local history and American fraternal history.
Approximate standard cabinet-card size: 4¼\" × 6½\".
An excellent image for collectors of Knights of Pythias memorabilia, Uniform Rank material, antique fraternal regalia, ceremonial swords, Pennsylvania photography, or New Kensington history.
