3rd Michigan Cavalry captain

[Ethan S.]

I think I's like to start off with my only photograph of an Identified Civil War soldier. Captain Davis Collins, of the 3rd. Michigan Cavalry, Company K. His own handwriting, as the handwriting of another man are on the back of the photo.

I'd like to ask a question or two, as I am not as well educated on uniforms and accouterments as I am projectiles. Is that a model 1840 "wristbreaker" saber? He has something that looks like a Hardee hat on the table beside him. Are the emblems original to the hat? They look kind of odd to me. All in all, a cool photo.

 

[captaindrew]

I think I's like to start off with my only photograph of an Identified Civil War soldier. Captain Davis Collins, of the 3rd. Michigan Cavalry, Company K. His own handwriting, as the handwriting of another man are on the back of the photo.

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I'd like to ask a question or two, as I am not as well educated on uniforms and accouterments as I am projectiles. Is that a model 1840 "wristbreaker" saber? He has something that looks like a Hardee hat on the table beside him. Are the emblems original to the hat? They look kind of odd to me. All in all, a cool photo.

That is a nice image. That does appear to be a Hardee hat. Officers both north and south supplied their own uniforms so you'd see some variations there like the hat badges. They were probably private purchases and not standard issue like you'd see on enlisted uniforms. For me it's hard to tell without seeing the whole saber whether it's a Wristbreaker or a M1860 cavalry saber. I'm leaning more toward a M1860 but I could be wrong.

 

[Seduzal]

Thanks for sharing this interesting photo. Sorry but I can't help you but just wait for a little while and someone will be along to answer your questions.

 

[major bill]

His uniform is most likely made by M. B. Kean in Detroit who reportedly was making most of the officer's uniform for this regiment.

 

[DixieRifles]

He had a short military career. Wonder if he resigned because he had another "job" offer?

 

[chubachus]

Pretty interesting, it looks like a later 1800s style cabinet card but the photo was made with a Civil War era glass negative or copy negative.

 

[Ethan S.]

I know absolutely zilch nada nuthin' about old photographs. He was in his forties when he was enlisted, and he looks about that age in the photo. He could be in his fifties. I'm not to good at aging folks either.

 

[Story]

Per the 3rd Michigan's history, he was from Tecumseh.

Full text of "Record, Third Michigan cavalry, civil war, 1861-1865"

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

" The squadron is forming, the war bugles play,
To saddle brave comrades stout hearts to display,
Our commander is mounted, strike spurs and away "

Seems a shame not to point out one of those poignant poems from the era on the back. Both sides of the image are awesome, thanks for posting!

 

[lelliott19]

" The squadron is forming, the war bugles play,
To saddle brave comrades stout hearts to display,
Our commander is mounted, strike spurs and away "

Seems a shame not to point out one of those poignant poems from the era on the back. Both sides of the image are awesome, thanks for posting!

It kind of figures us ladies would be more interested in the poetry than the uniform and accouterments. Here's the other poem on the back.
"Stand by the flag on land and ocean billow
by it your fathers stood, unmoved and true.
Living, defended -- dying, from their pillow,
with their last blessing, passed it to you."

 

[Ethan S.]

Leave it to the ladies, lol! It is some good stuff.