I am trying to identify a photo. I have googled everything I possibly can think of but when it comes to military uniforms and Military abbreviations I definitely admit I'm clueless. I know there are a lot of you that know a lot about the miltary uniforms and abb. and you can figure this stuff out rather quickly just by looking at them. Here's my question, is there anyone willing to let me send them a copy of this photo in an e-mail attachment and let me know what time period they think the photo was taken and see if they can figure out the abbreviations on the back. I'm not sure if this is the type of forum for that kind of request and I know it's a bit unusual but any help would be appreciated. I love a good mystery but this one has me totally stumped. A brief description of the photo is as such:

The photo looks like a cabinet card but it has no photographer id'd. However, when I look at it, it looks like it could be a repo. of an older photo but not sure. Anyhow, The young man is in uniform, holding his hat that has 2 swords crossed at the top and his jacket has a patch and a stripe on the right sleeve and the white shirt that he's wearing underneath has a very high neck and it almost looks like some sort of a bowtie. The pants have a light stripe running down the leg. If I had to guess, I would think that it almost looks like a military school uniform but I'd love to get the opinion of those who have expertise in this field.

The back of the photo reads: Mr. H.F. May, Franklinton, N.C., C.F.F. 3.96 Ship to Franklinton, NC. One addtional note, for some reason (don't know why) I wrote the name (Fort) after the F. so I'm assuming he's Mr. H. Fort May but I'm not sure where I found that information because I could not find it again.

The photos that came with this particular photo are from Franklinton, Tarboro, N.C. & various VA. areas.

Thanks in advance.

Nancy