Research: Royal Navy photographs

[David McGreevy]

Hello, I am researching these photos of the Officers and Crew of a Royal Navy ship. The seller says they are from the 1850s, but I believe that these are more 1870s, or later, The two are unmounted albumen prints, approximately 9 x 6 ".

The photo of the crew is amazing, each seaman is armed with a pistol, and maybe a sword? At first I thought that this must be a re-enactment, possibly a film shoot? The poses are just not 19th century? But, maybe they were in a jolly mood ? 

Any information about the uniforms, or ship would be most appreciated,

Best, David

[Jonathan Dore]

David, I suggest you contact the archivists at the Caird Library in the National Maritime Museum: [e-mail]. They'll be able to give you the most informed feedback on features of uniform/rigging/armament etc. that would help to date the photos or even identify the ships/crewmen.