What breed, if any, is this cat who has lived with us for 10 years?

Ourselves and our neighbours have been caring for this beautiful and, at first, quite unapproachable, cat for nearly ten years. We are not entirely sure where he comes from, but he certainly has taken residence between our two places. 

I have been wondering for a long time why type of cat it is. Although we've been hinting at Persian because of the long hair, his face he more what I'd called 'typically feline' than Persians usually display. His hair is primarily black, or very dark, but he has a 'crown' of reddish hairy on his chest. 

He has become quite demanding over the years, and is happy with attention, as long as it is on his own terms. Attached is a picture of him. Whatever he is won't change what we feel about him, even if he is a crossed breed, he is part of the family, but I have been wondering for a long time and it would be great to know. 

Oh, he's beautiful!

He looks a lot like my cat, Carpet. I think is face is too long to be Persian, he looks more like a Domestic Long Hair to me.

Here's a picture of Carpet, I found her as a stray kitten. She's nearly 3 years old now.