This postcard photograph was printed on stock from the United States.

The reverse is blank – devoid of any clues about date, location, or subjects.

Three of the sailors are wearing uniforms that I do not recognize, nor do I believe distinguish US servicemen.

I am not well-informed about military dress and insignias, and am unable to read the lettering that appears on the headgear of three of the men.

The postcard was found in a box of unsorted postcard photographs, and the box contained some shots that had inscriptions linking them to the US occupation and armed suppression of the Independence movement in the Philippine Islands (1898-1913).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine%E2%80%93American_War

I do not know if this photograph is related to the same military engagement.

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Here, a group of four sailors are posed for a photograph.

Seated in front is a young man in a dark sailor uniform unlike that of the three companions.

Beside him is seated a fellow-sailor, poised and well-presented.

Behind the seated figures are two standing sailors – both of whom appear younger than the man in similar uniform who is seated.

As in most photographs of this era, the faces are impassive.

Also, as is customary, the sailors standing have a hand on the shoulders of the companions who are seated.

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I would be glad to hear from anyone who might have knowledge or insight that would help identify a “back-story” for this photograph.