The Snapshots in Time Collection

Ship's Petty Officer/Master-at-Arms with Three Bluejackets, Faded Group Portrait, c. 1900s

Ship's Petty Officer/Master-at-Arms with Three Bluejackets, Faded Group Portrait, c. 1900s

A faded portrait pairs three enlisted bluejackets with a ship's Master-at-Arms or non-commissioned officer, identifiable by his sword, key ring, and rank chevrons. The Master-at-Arms served as the ship's chief disciplinarian, responsible for order among the crew and custody of the brig -- a role of particular importance aboard a warship carrying several hundred men on long deployments. Despite significant water damage, the photograph preserves a candid moment of camaraderie among shipmates of differing rank. Project: 218611