Something dodgy about the pattern near one of those legs.

........... :D

Heavy Cruiser - ?. What is odd about the image ?

American Ensign but looks French built

Built in Massachusetts USA.

That bow wave mark looks a bit peculiar, but I'm assuming that's where the paint has worn off. And the platform for the plane looks odd to me, but I'm no expert on war ships.

Port side view, and the water is flat calm.

Are you saying the bow wave mark is painted on ? (Or am I just being a bit dim ?):sweat:

It is. It's camouflage. Probably done to confuse the enemy. Any way the Japs claimed her (torpedo) in 1942. She is the USS Northampton.

OK, I can see how that might confuse if viewed from a distance. When I first saw the tripod mast I mistakenly thought it was a battle cruiser, but I've looked her up and she certainly had an active service during World War Two.
Quite a good looking ship.