CDV of a Civil War Soldier and His Dog on eBay

LoyaltyOfDogs

Sergeant Major
Official Vendor
Joined
Aug 8, 2011
Location
Gettysburg area
Both the soldier and his terrier wear a somber expression in this CDV; nevertheless, it's a handsome portrait. Is that a bugle on the soldier's cap? A musician?

1626921817591.png
 
Could it possibly be one of the metal simulated embroidery horns used by some infantry officers, with regimental numbers within the loop? Here are a couple examples from "American Military Headgear Insignia" by J. Duncan Campbell and Michael J. O'Donnell.

View attachment 409024
The horn on his cap does look three-dimensional. A bit of shadow is at the bottom right side, and the horn appears to be reflecting light onto the cap's visor.

1626959985099.png
 
It takes more muscles in ones face to smile and hold it in that position for the length of time a camera shutter was open. That is why there are few smiles in these period photographs. Nonetheless, it is a beautiful photo with both dog and soldier being crystal clear. That was one feat keeping that dog still!
 
It takes more muscles in ones face to smile and hold it in that position for the length of time a camera shutter was open. That is why there are few smiles in these period photographs. Nonetheless, it is a beautiful photo with both dog and soldier being crystal clear. That was one feat keeping that dog still!
Keeping a dog awake through a photo sitting must have been a challenge too. Several of my favorite Civil War dog pictures are of dogs who fell asleep.
 
Pretty fancy officer's greatcoat/overcoat. Not issue, it has to be private purchase. Cut of the collar is different too. No expert on greatcoats, it just looks a lot different than most others I have seen. That said there were many clothiers out there, many tailors too.
 
It takes more muscles in ones face to smile and hold it in that position for the length of time a camera shutter was open. That is why there are few smiles in these period photographs. Nonetheless, it is a beautiful photo with both dog and soldier being crystal clear. That was one feat keeping that dog still!

There's that, but in traditional painted portraits smiles (other than the faint 'Mona Lisa' kind) were rather rare as well. Photographic portraiture followed the traditional model until private cameras became common.
 
Back
Top