Two Brothers Go To War.

[Robert Gray]

William R. Smedberg (1839 - 1911) is wearing the uniform of the National Rifles of Washington, D.C. He's the one standing in both photos. His younger brother, Charles G. Smedberg, Jr. (1841-1863), is in the uniform of the 7th New York State Militia. Both would join the 14th US Infantry. Charles would rise to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant before his untimely death on June 1, 1863. William became a Captain and was seriously wounded in the Wilderness in 1864 and lost his right foot to amputation. He survived the war and served another 5 years in the US Army afterward.

Photo credits:
Antietam On The Web
Military Images Digital

 

[DixieRifles]

William R. Smedberg (1839 - 1911) is wearing the uniform of the National Rifles of Washington, D.C. He's the one standing in both photos. His younger brother, Charles G. Smedberg, Jr. (1841-1863), is in the uniform of the 7th New York State Militia.

Isn't that the Model 1841 "Mississippi" Rifle??

 

[bobinwmass]

Isn't that the Model 1841 "Mississippi" Rifle??

Given that the locks have the Maynard primer door set up, I think they are Model 1855 Harper's Ferry rifles. That makes me think they may be props supplied by the photographer's studio, as the New York 7th Regiment's history says they were issued 1000 Model 1855 rifle muskets in 1858, and these were the guns they used when they rushed to Washington's defense in 1861.

 

[scooter748driver]

Wow, great photos! Thank you for sharing!

 

[DixieRifles]

Given that the locks have the Maynard primer door set up

How could I miss that detail?? Thanks.

 

[iron bender]

The brother standing on right is wearing early rifleman's leathers (correct for the 55 with sword bayonet) while the brother standing on left is wearing standard gear for 55/61. You can see the tip of his bayonet scabbard barely poking out. That scabbard would not have anything to do with a 55 type Harpers Ferry sword bayonet. So very possibly props or gear being passed around for a photo session

 

[on again]

two other picture of William Smedberg can be seen on find a grave memorial 24279856