Photo interpretation?

[Tony Anemone]

Dear all,

A retired friend of mine is doing some genealogical research and has some family photos that she needs some help interpreting.  Since this is far beyond my expertise, I'm hoping that some people on the list will be able to help.  

Attached are three photos of her Jewish grandfather, Eli Pollock born in the town of Lida (Belarus) in 1874, emigrated to the US in 1904, according to family lore in order to escape serving in the Russo-Japanese war.  The first one was taken, the family assumes, around 1890. The second, perhaps, 5-10 years later.  

Can anyone recognize the uniforms (branch of servive, rank, etc.) in the first two photos? (n.b., the cap in the first photo was heavily damaged and restored on photoshop - there may have been an emblem or ensignia)

Does the uniform in the first photo mean that Eli was in a military (naval?) school?  could it be a gymnasium? 

Were Jews allowed to enroll in military schools at the time?  

The revolutionary flag in the third photo certainly makes one think of the 1917 period but could it  possible have been taken in 1904?  (i.e., before the emigration of Eli)

Any other information or educated guesses will be appreciated.  

Thanks for your help,

Tony 





 

 





 

 





 
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