Help with picture ID

[katewrites]

I could use some help here.
I found this photo in an old attic and am trying to identify the subject via context clues. I know next to nothing about military uniforms but have a list of people who may fit a description if I know more about his rank. Can someone clue me in?

 

[lelliott19]

Hi Kate. I love images. That's a nice Carte de visite. Uniformed subjects on CDV's are desirable among image collectors. It could be very desirable if it can be identified. The good folks here at CWT have helped me ID some before so it is certainly not impossible.

On the back of the card... is there a backmark that tells us where the image was taken and by what photographer? I'm going to page my friend @Package4 to weigh in on the uniform. And I feel certain others will be along shortly to share their knowledge and experience. Congratulations on finding it. It's fabulous!

 

[Nathan Stuart]

From what is viewed, the absence of any visible insignia seen inside the shown plain shoulder strap, indicates this pictured gentleman may be a Union Army officer with the rank of 2nd. Lieutenant. A qualification, though. The shining light in the photograph may conceal the sighting of any actual insignia (stars or bars) showing within the boundaries of the shoulder strap.

 

[Package4]

I could use some help here.
I found this photo in an old attic and am trying to identify the subject via context clues. I know next to nothing about military uniforms but have a list of people who may fit a description if I know more about his rank. Can someone clue me in?


View attachment 509520

He looks to be a Union captain or lieutenant in either a cavalry or infantry unit during the Civil War. I hope that helps.

 

[katewrites]

Hi Kate. I love images. That's a nice Carte de visite. Uniformed subjects on CDV's are desirable among image collectors. It could be very desirable if it can be identified. The good folks here at CWT have helped me ID some before so it is certainly not impossible.

On the back of the card... is there a backmark that tells us where the image was taken and by what photographer? I'm going to page my friend @Package4 to weigh in on the uniform. And I feel certain others will be along shortly to share their knowledge and experience. Congratulations on finding it. It's fabulous!

Here's the back.

Hi Kate. I love images. That's a nice Carte de visite. Uniformed subjects on CDV's are desirable among image collectors. It could be very desirable if it can be identified. The good folks here at CWT have helped me ID some before so it is certainly not impossible.

On the back of the card... is there a backmark that tells us where the image was taken and by what photographer? I'm going to page my friend @Package4 to weigh in on the uniform. And I feel certain others will be along shortly to share their knowledge and experience. Congratulations on finding it. It's fabulous!

After I get my book published, I'm going to catalog (or try to) all the documents and images I found in an old attic here. It's going to be quite a task. I am working with a local history advisory board to hopefully find some grants to help fund the project. Amazing stuff!

 

[katewrites]

He looks to be a Union captain or lieutenant in either a cavalry or infantry unit during the Civil War. I hope that helps.

Captain or lieutenant. That definitely points me in a direction.

 

[Package4]

View attachment 509522
Here's the back.

After I get my book published, I'm going to catalog (or try to) all the documents and images I found in an old attic here. It's going to be quite a task. I am working with a local history advisory board to hopefully find some grants to help fund the project. Amazing stuff!

With that back mark, the earliest it could have been taken was late February 1862, more than likely a little later. His uniform looks to be his dress coat, as the straps are highly visible and not what a line officer would wear in the field, at this point in the war. He may also be in the Quartermaster Department as Nashville was a huge QM Depot, for the Western Armies. The straps are not indicative of staff since the background is of a light color, so Quartermaster is not probable. A more high-resolution shot may help us discern what his straps may or may not have within the border, giving you a better idea of his military occupation.

 

[Package4]

Here is a picture of the photographer in later years:

 

[katewrites]

Here is a picture of the photographer in later years:

View attachment 509527

I love this! Thank you!

 

[katewrites]

With that back mark, the earliest it could have been taken was late February 1862, more than likely a little later. His uniform looks to be his dress coat, as the straps are highly visible and not what a line officer would wear in the field, at this point in the war. He may also be in the Quartermaster Department as Nashville was a huge QM Depot, for the Western Armies. The straps are not indicative of staff since the background is of a light color, so Quartermaster is not probable. A more high-resolution shot may help us discern what his straps may or may not have within the border, giving you a better idea of his military occupation.

It's pretty faded but I'll see if I can get a better scan.