Sergeant With Three Weapons

[JeffHendricks]

What are we thinking about this young man. Any ideas as to maybe where he served, etc.

 

[Dan Kohli]

There's a possibility that at least one of those weapons were a studio prop. I don't recognize the uniform he has on. I would not be surprised if he was in Confederate service.

 

[captaindrew]

Judging by how his chevrons are attached I'd definitely say Confederate. Looks like a pretty generic shell jacket that would show up anywhere, probably a product of the commutation system early on. I think it's a safe bet all the weapons and maybe even the belt are studio props. Looks like a field officer's sword, something a sergeant certainly wouldn't have and certainly wouldn't be carrying around a pistol and knife like that.

 

[JeffHendricks]

I was thinking the same that he was Confederate. The lady opposite of him in the case looked like a southern belle. I have seen a number of tins, ambros and dags with this pose over the years. Numerous weapons, and they are always touted as Confederate. You know, it almost appears that he also has shoulder applets, and that would definitely scream studio props. I appreciate the feedback on this one guys!!

 

[Mississippian1861]

Feels CS. If you forced me to pick a state, I'd say possibly Georgia, it's similar to some Georgia images I have seen.

 

[R. Porter]

The swords looks long enough to be cavalry but the scabbard looks leather with brass mounts which suggests an officer's scabbard. The pistol looks small and I don't see a holster. Is he wearing boots? Why would a cavalryman carry a Bowie knife? I could be convinced that he is infantry with photographer's props, but I know nothing about uniforms. That sword doesn't jump out at me except to say it's not a mounted artillery sword with such a slight curve to the blade.

 

[on again]

where did you fnd this..a clue as to which side he was on? from an estate sale?

 

[Salterr]

What are we thinking about this young man. Any ideas as to maybe where he served, etc.

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Remove them
From the case and look for an ID

 

[Old Soldier]

The stripes look very dark. The photograph emulsions used at the time usually showed red as very dark. Red stripes = artillery. Artillery = few personal weapons issued - they looked after the guns FIRST - and maybe a few privately bought. Does he look as though he could afford any? The bowie knife was a common subject on early 'I've just joined' photos, but seemed to disappear on campaign.The belt buckle does not look like any issue belt buckles. Conclusion: an early photograph of a newly promoted member of an artillery regiment recording his service with some borrowed weapons.

 

[Dan Kohli]

The stripes look very dark. The photograph emulsions used at the time usually showed red as very dark. Red stripes = artillery. Artillery = few personal weapons issued - they looked after the guns FIRST - and maybe a few privately bought. Does he look as though he could afford any? The bowie knife was a common subject on early 'I've just joined' photos, but seemed to disappear on campaign.The belt buckle does not look like any issue belt buckles. Conclusion: an early photograph of a newly promoted member of an artillery regiment recording his service with some borrowed weapons.

It's well known that most studios/photographers normally had those types of weapons as props.

 

[Old Soldier]

It's well known that most studios/photographers normally had those types of weapons as props.

And whenever it is mentioned, those who know better strike ...!

 

[on again]

Id guess the female picture was probably his engaged southern belle...since they armt together but seperate....any guess on what type of accouterments she is wearing...give a date when it was takem?

 

[JeffHendricks]

Remove them
From the case and look for an ID

I did that first thing. It came with a photo album and they were from Indiana.

 

[Rhea Cole]

There are a couple of things that date the young lady.

The neckline of her dress is called a "bertha." It is also known as the de'collete' style. It dates from the 1830's. The bertha neckline was something of a class indicator. Upper & middle class women wore the bertha, working class as a rule did not.

This style of sleeve is also indicative of an 1850 - early 1860 style.

The hair style, sharp center part, hair looped back to expose the ears is circa 1854 onward. The long hair was pulled back into a bun. The ringlets that we associate with the Civil War era was introduced by Princess Eugenia in circa 1850. The tassel also indicates a style of hair cover typical of the Victorian period.

All together, the elements in this photograph collectively date it to circa 1860.

 

[Rhea Cole]

As has been stated up-thread, these weapons are typical of thousands of photographer's props. Individually & collectively they are almost a required element of early war portraits in particular.

The shoulder scales date back to the 1840's. They were for dress not fatigue duty. They are indicative of a circa 1860 - 1861 date. The same can be said of his short shell jacket with high undecorated collar. The chevrons could indicate a state rather than national origin.

My conclusion, given the period elements of the clothing & accouterments is that these images date from circa 1860 - 1861. It would not be at all unusual for the set to be that of a couple. Without any documentation, their relationship is purely speculative.

If both of the images have stamps from the same photographic studio, that would establish a tentative relationship. The rather crude dabs of gold paint on both images also would argue for the same studio.

Hope you find this helpful.

 

[Trooper "D"]

Looks

What are we thinking about this young man. Any ideas as to maybe where he served, etc.

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like a full Confederate uniform to me. Weapons most likely props and a state seal belt buckle. Virginia?

 

[Rhea Cole]

Looks

like a full Confederate uniform to me. Weapons most likely props and a stateU seal belt buckle. Virginia?

Unfortunately the blob of paint has completely obscured the buckle.

Richmond Depot jackets. The photo could be a type #lll.

 

[Trooper "D"]

Unfortunately the blob of paint has completely obscured the buckle.

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Richmond Depot jackets. The photo could be a type #1.

That's what I was thinking. I didn't count the buttons or look for piping though. May phone screen is limited.

 

[Trooper "D"]

Unfortunately the blob of paint has completely obscured the buckle.

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Richmond Depot jackets. The photo could be a type #1.

I cant make out piping on the sleeve. The collar coming together at the top button is that weird style. I have a 7 button shell jacket that has that type of collar.