A couple nice Mississippi portraits

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Pvt. James Monroe Callaway, Company G, "Barksdale Grays," 20th Mississippi Infantry.


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Pvt. James R. Wallace, Company D, "Fort Donelson Avengers," 35th Mississippi Infantry. He was mortally wounded at Vicksburg and died June 15, 1863.


Found both these images on Pinterest, no other info. Both Company G of the 20th and Company D of the 35th were from Winston County, Mississippi. Both images were obviously taken early in the war and they are wearing identical uniforms despite being in different companies and regiments, the 35th not organized until March 1862. Also same musket, bowie knife and pistol, though possibly photographer's props. Same poses. Same cases. Obviously both images were from the same studio. The large black hat pinned up with star on the side was typical for Mississippi troops early in the war; a lot of similar styles seen with Texas troops.

I wonder if James R. Wallace was originally in Company G of the 20th Mississippi when he had his photo taken and later transferred to or reenlisted in Company D of the 35th, hence the identical uniforms?
 
I like both of these images. Nice and clear. Hard to tell the color of the uniforms. But I can see a lot of details. Do you think the "D" Guard and boot pistols were the photographer's props? It looks like the same photographer, same backdrop. Just about the same exact issue coats too.
 
The weapons, including the bowies, are certainly the same - not sure about the uniforms or hats. The hat on the first guy looks too small for his head.
 
Definitely think the pistol and probably the bowie knife are photographer's props, possibly the musket as well. Uniforms appear to be the same. That's why I was wondering if Wallace was first a member of Company G, 20th Mississippi when he had the photo taken and they are both wearing the same company uniform.
 
The jacket is tighter on Callaway and looser on Wallace. I would tend to believe you are right about everything being a prop except the uniforms. One can also see the stand behind each in the same position. I still like the image. I have a cdv of a soldier, I wish it was clearer.
 
View attachment 155303
Pvt. James Monroe Callaway, Company G, "Barksdale Grays," 20th Mississippi Infantry.


View attachment 155304
Pvt. James R. Wallace, Company D, "Fort Donelson Avengers," 35th Mississippi Infantry. He was mortally wounded at Vicksburg and died June 15, 1863.


Found both these images on Pinterest, no other info. Both Company G of the 20th and Company D of the 35th were from Winston County, Mississippi. Both images were obviously taken early in the war and they are wearing identical uniforms despite being in different companies and regiments, the 35th not organized until March 1862. Also same musket, bowie knife and pistol, though possibly photographer's props. Same poses. Same cases. Obviously both images were from the same studio. The large black hat pinned up with star on the side was typical for Mississippi troops early in the war; a lot of similar styles seen with Texas troops.

I wonder if James R. Wallace was originally in Company G of the 20th Mississippi when he had his photo taken and later transferred to or reenlisted in Company D of the 35th, hence the identical uniforms?
Love the chapeaux. They both wear them well.
 
I count 8 buttons on the first one and 7 on the second with the possibility of one button being in a fold or at the very botton.
Wallace is a smaller guy.
 
They are great photos and I have not been trying to deconstruct but simply trying to figure out why they are so identical and both troops are from different regiments. The mind is hardwired to try to make sense out of nonsense.
 
Anyone have any opinions on the rings? Both men are wearing a solid band ring on the right hand pinky finger. And Wallace has a large ring on his left forefinger. By today's standards, not your typical fingers.
 
I count 8 buttons on the first one and 7 on the second with the possibility of one button being in a fold or at the very botton.
Wallace is a smaller guy.
The second jacket is 8 button also, you can see part of the second button down hidden behind a fold, I believe they may be wearing the same jacket. Regardless of props or not they are great images.
 
Interesting thread. Is it possible the photos are misidentified and both or wearing a regimental or company uniform. It is also possible they were issued uniforms from the same source and at the same time.
 
By same uniform I mean same early war company uniform, not the exact same jacket being shared if that is what some are thinking. The "Fort Donelson Avengers" Company D of the 35th Mississippi was recruited later in 1862, so I'm thinking Wallace might've originally been a member of Company G, 20th Mississippi, both men having the same uniform when they had the photo taken, and Wallace later transferring to the 35th or being discharged and reenlisting, which was common. These are most likely early war uniforms, company uniforms you'd see in 1861 and soon replaced in 1862 by the commutation system.

Anyone have any opinions on the rings? Both men are wearing a solid band ring on the right hand pinky finger. And Wallace has a large ring on his left forefinger. By today's standards, not your typical fingers.
As to the rings, pinky rings are seen in a lot of photos. There was actually a thread on them here: https://civilwartalk.com/threads/pinky-rings.124368/
 
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The jacket is tighter on Callaway and looser on Wallace. I would tend to believe you are right about everything being a prop except the uniforms. One can also see the stand behind each in the same position. I still like the image. I have a cdv of a soldier, I wish it was clearer.
Looks like that's the back support of the chair they're sitting on. And I never intended to say that the uniforms were props, I mean same company uniform, not the same jacket shared between the two men. Also, Wallace appears to be a bit more slumped over than Callaway, so his jacket is wrinkled.
 
When my official photo was taken it was in fact a prop jacket with a velcro strip in the back...although many years after these young men served.
 
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