Uniform Inquiry

[lelliott19]

Can anyone tell me anything about this uniform? CSA or Union? Why so many buttons? Whats up with the buttons on the collar? What is the emblem on the top of his hat? Thanks for any info.

 

[Cumpston1862]

This soldier is wearing most likely a shell type jacket usually associated with cavalry or artillery men. He is more than likely Union. As to what is on his hat it is a little blurry. Could just be a regimental number and company letter that are blurred together or something else this soldier liked.

Behold...a Union cavalryman's jacket.

 

[lelliott19]

Thanks @Cumpston1862 It sure looks better in your picture! Thanks for the reply. I know nothing about uniforms but am trying to learn. I appreciate your taking the time to respond.

 

[Patrick H]

I am about the VERY LAST person here who is qualified to chime in about uniforms, but I was going to suggest a shell jacket, too. However, I note that the picture was retouched to show light blue piping. Isn't that indicative of infantry?
I confess I am utterly clueless about the emblem on his cap.

I know some uniform experts are going to inform me in quick time, and I will appreciate it!

 

[Cumpston1862]

Soldiers often times made or modified items that they liked to wear on their uniforms. Like this cut out of a Hardee hat pin. The below picture is how it looked as issued.

 

[lelliott19]

@Patrick H Great minds (who know very little about uniforms) must think alike. I was about to ask about the "trim" being light blue too.

 

[Cumpston1862]

I am about the VERY LAST person here who is qualified to chime in about uniforms, but I was going to suggest a shell jacket, too. However, I note that the picture was retouched to show light blue piping. Isn't that indicative of infantry?
I confess I am utterly clueless about the emblem on his cap.

I know some uniform experts are going to inform me in quick time, and I will appreciate it!

Not likely. The buttons on the collar are a tell tale indication of it being an artillery or cavalry shell. And more than likely it is a cavalryman as artillery striping being red was usually dark in images of the period.

 

[Cumpston1862]

Here is a Union infantryman wearing a frock coat. It has a nine button front. Whereas the cavalry/artillery shell has 12 smaller buttons. This soldier has also "field modified" his frock by either cutting or folding down the collar.

 

[lelliott19]

Ok here is my latest Uniform Q......
Is this a CW uniform?????? And if so, who wore it? Not being snippy as I find it VERY attractive. Just looks more like riverboat gambler attire than a military uniform to me. Also, what kind of gun is he holding?

 

[redbob]

I have to vote for choice #1 since the weapon isn't a military issue. He does present a dashing looking figure though.

 

[lelliott19]

I have to vote for choice #1 since the weapon isn't a military issue. He does present a dashing looking figure though.

Very fancy, indeed! Do you know what kind of gun he is holding?

 

[gunny]

Looks like some type of Kentucky or Tennessee long fowler percussion hunting rifle.

 

[ole]

Bet it's a German gentleman in hunting attire.

 

[hrobalabama]

Looks like a half-stock hunting rifle with silver (?) inlays in the stock for decorative purposes, circa 1840-1850's. If he is German it would a Jaeger (hunting) rifle

 

[major bill]

It is possible that the trim is tinted blue. If I remember, light a few infantrymen wore shell jackets trimmed in light blue. I will be ending my winter stay in Florida in a couple of weeks and once home could give proper references to infantry shell jackets.

 

[major bill]

The man in the green coat might have anchors on his collar.

 

[frankconrad]

Much to heavy to be classified as a Tennesse or Kentucky rifle. to much silver to be a mountain Mans rifle or Plains Rifle. My wild guess is a Gentleman hunter on a early guided hunt in the west. with a very heavy, very nice half stock, percussion rifle.
From the size of the ramrod probably well over .50 cal.
If anyone has a better idea, lets hear it.

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

Bet it's a German gentleman in hunting attire.

My initial thought too . . . or Austrian.

 

[major bill]

Before the Civil War many German immigrants formed marksman clubs or shooting clubs. I have to wonder if that is what this is. Green was a common color for hunters or riflemen and many of these clubs wore hats with feathers on them. I would call what he is wearing a hunting jacket. My main concern is he appears to have insignia on his collar.

 

[hrobalabama]

Did you look at the floor? It looks like linoleum . When was that invented?
I have seen modern ones with the same pattern.