lancelot

" Lancelot Beaumont "Lance" Todd (1874–1942) was a New Zealand-born rugby league footballer and manager of the early 20th century. As a player he represented his country in 1907 and 1908 and played in England for the Wigan and Dewsbury clubs. He later became the manager at Salford and led the club to three League Championships and one Challenge Cup victory. " en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lance_Todd From the wiki article, I think he was at Wigan from 1908-14, when he transferred to Dewsbury. Also "In 1933, as well his work at Salford, he became the Rugby League commentator for BBC Radio."

More about Lance Todd and the Trophy named in his memory - blog.salfordredsheritage.org.uk/post/9996951465/lance-tod...

Wondering just how personal is the signature "Faithfully yours" ? 'Yours faithfully' is or was the standard business sign-off, but somehow this seems more intimate.

collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O140844/guy-little-theatrical-... ‘Cartes de visite’, the size of formal visiting cards, were patented in 1854 and produced in their millions during the 1860s when it became fashionable to collect them. Their subjects included scenic views, tourist attractions and works of art, as well as portraits. They were superseded in the late 1870s by the larger and sturdier ‘cabinet cards’ whose popularity waned in turn during the 1890s in favour of postcards and studio portraits.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnston_Forbes-Robertson

The play 'King Arthur', with Forbes-Robertson as Sir Lancelot, was first produced in 1895. Presumably the earliest date for this photo / cdv. See - books.google.com.au/books?id=22Xp03gBd-MC&pg=PA25&... He speaks (creepy!) - youtu.be/ijfJDtNDFqQ He moves, 'Hamlet' 1913 (camp!) - youtu.be/s4YVWqhPDr8

There are a number of photos of him in the National Portrait Gallery in London, including some other acting roles.(Not this one, though).

Quite a lot of plate for someone who's 12th century at the latest.