Too fat for his jacket?

[major bill]

Does anyone have a opinion on this jacket? It almost appears that the man has gained weight and is closing his jacket with some kind of extensions. It almost looks like he has gained weight and is trying to wear a jacket way too small for him. In general it looks like a mounted jacket that is way to small for him. Also note his odd shoulder strap and the untrimmed collar. Perhaps this is a post war photograph and he wanted to wear his old uniform. His trousers are almost up to his arm pits.

Yes I am aware that the hair curl and mustache makes him look a bit like a Munchkin from the Wizard of Oz.

 

[MRB1863]

Methinks it entirely possible that this gent marches to the beat of a different drummer. Hence the unique hair style and wardrobe. Perhaps this fellow was a rebellious, free spirit musician. I am far from a uniform expert, but the narrow shoulder boards and lack of rank insignia makes me think that the jacket is tailored in a military style as a fashion statement.

 

[7thWisconsin]

That might be a band uniform, not necessarily an army uniform. He's holding a keyed bugle. I suspect he was a musician before he was a soldier.

 

[Allie]

I was gonna say, that looks like a band uniform. The frog closures are iconic for marching band uniforms, but it does look like he's put on a few since he first wore this jacket!

 

[DanF]

Yes I am aware that the hair curl and mustache makes him look a bit like a Munchkin from the Wizard of Oz.

At first glance I thought, Alfalfa grown up.

 

[Al Murray]

Methinks it entirely possible that this gent marches to the beat of a different drummer. Hence the unique hair style

I didn't know Ed Grimley was even in the ACW.

 

[MRB1863]

I didn't know Ed Grimley was even in the ACW.

That's 'cause they did not issue a kepi with a sunroof to fit his hair.

 

[major bill]

There are several photographs of his Civil War battery wearing similar mounted jackets but without the shoulder straps. I have seen a Michigan officer wearing very similar shoulder straps on his frock coat. Is Ziesse a Swiss or German name/

 

[AndyHall]

He was a watchmaker and jeweler in Detroit for many years after the war. Deceased 1892.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=75247031&ref=acom

Expired Image Removed

 

[7thWisconsin]

How long did he live after the war? A one legged musician could find work playing for theaters and music halls. They wore uniforms too. Although men waxed their moustaches in the 60s, those fiercely waxed ones were a post war fashion.

 

[AndyHall]

Name: Nickolas Ziesee
Birth Date: abt 1820
Birth Place: Germany
Death Date: 17 Jul 1892
Death Place: Detroit, Wayne, MI
Death Age: 72
Occupation: Jeweler
Race: White
Marital Status: Married
Gender: Male
Residence: Detroit, Wayne, MI
Spouse Name: Gertrude Ziesee

Widow's pension:

 

[AndyHall]

Gertrude is in a different cemetery:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=83187314

 

[AndyHall]

1890 Veterans Schedule:

 

[Northern Light]

It would appear that he still has his leg in the picture, but I suppose it could be an artificial one. it does look a a bit different from the other one. the high waist on the pants might be to accommodate the harness for an wooden leg.

 

[bankerpapaw]

Kinda like my collar extender for my shirts.

 

[major bill]

It would appear that he still has his leg in the picture, but I suppose it could be an artificial one. it does look a a bit different from the other one. the high waist on the pants might be to accommodate the harness for an wooden leg.

The leg could be amputated at the knee and it would not show.

 

[major bill]

;He would have been 41 when the war ended. To me he looks to be in his 40s so I am thinking after the war. However, being sick could have aged him and he could be still a soldier and only be 41 or 42.

 

[Northern Light]

The leg could be amputated at the knee and it would not show.

It said on the card posted above that it was amputated at the hip.

 

[major bill]

Ok I did not see that.

 

[shanniereb]

Wow, that looks highly uncomfortable. Blow the instrument and pop some buttons! LoL!