Need help identifying explorer...

Received the below email and photograph from Linda Toppo who needs some help in identifying the explorer in the picture... she will be checking this thread for responses and appreciate everyone's help.


Hello,

My father-in-law (Renato Toppo) was a portrait photographer in the 1930s (and a few in 1940-1941). He did portraits of Robert Ripley, Atillio and Ellen Gatti, and Martin and Osa Johnson (including the double profile of them known as the "Baboona photo"). Aside from them, he also did numerous people in the arts, business, and music.

We have a photo of a distinguished man in a pith helmet and safari type jacket we are trying to identify. The Martin and Osa Johnson museum told us it is not Martin Johnson - they thought it might be Frank Buck. However, the photos I've seen of him do not resemble this gentleman.

If I was to send you a JPEG version of the photo, do you think anyone connected with this website might be able to help us in the identification?

Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Linda Toppo


Unknown Explorer by Renato Toppo

The first thing that struck me with this intriguing problem was the kind of pose.
It does not strike me as a particularly artistic pose (not like others the photographer took, noted on the net)
It looks more like a hollywood pose an actor would take for a promo shot.

The pen being a focal point might create some leads for you. Author, Engineer?

The style of Pith Helmet might also. Indian possibly?

Good luck with your quest.

Surprised that we have not had more replies from members... I'm sure Linda would appreciate some input from members, wild guesses, leads, ideas, suggestions... Thanks everyone!

Jerome have they checked out Errol Flynn.

He used to hunt around the globe and one time i was in a log cabin where he put his name on the cabin logs in Alaska.

The chin and small mustache are very close to Errol's.

Originally Posted by James.Grage

Jerome have they checked out Errol Flynn.

Don't know... I see also some resemblance but looking at pictures of Errol Flynn he had dark eyes, this person seems to have light colored eyes.

Jerome

Errol had light brown eyes...could not find a color close up to compare the two pictures.

And the light from over the shoulder, takes away the hair color...

Errol was right handed and had brown hair color.

I am not saying it is Errol and you are looking at a 1930 actor..

Originally Posted by AfricaHunting.com

Don't know... I see also some resemblance but looking at pictures of Errol Flynn he had dark eyes, this person seems to have light colored eyes.

There is no way that is Errol Flynn, I have seen all of his movies. Doesn't resemble his facial features.

AH member "Monish" may be a good source for this one, he seems to have a wealth of historical resources.