Uniform Inquiry

[lelliott19]

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

I think that is a painted "floor cloth." Floor cloths were popular before and during the CW - rugs really didnt become popular for floors until after the CW. The most common patterns were geometric and floral. They were made of canvas covered with linseed or shellac resulting in a covering that blocked draft from the gaps in the floorboards. The floor cloths were also useful to protect against splinters from rough wood and to make sweeping out easier.

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[hrobalabama]

I think that is a painted "floor cloth." Floor cloths were popular before and during the CW - rugs really didnt become popular for floors until after the CW. The most common patterns were geometric and floral. They were made of canvas covered with linseed or shellac resulting in a covering that blocked draft from the gaps in the floorboards. The floor cloths were also useful to protect against splinters from rough wood and to make sweeping out easier.

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Thanks so much. I've never noticed the floors in old photos. I was examining the man with the rifle in the green coat and for the first time I noticed the floor. I thought linoleum and then I didn't think that was around in the 1860's.

 

[ranger326]

Interesting!

Notice also the feet of the metal "poser" behind the standing gentlemen to help keep him still.
Notice also, his left hand. It looks like he left "ghost" fingers from moving his fingers from being extended to folding them under?!

 

[YankeeDoodle]

I wonder how much a mint condition uniform would go for?

 

[major bill]

Thanks so much. I've never noticed the floors in old photos. I was examining the man with the rifle in the green coat and for the first time I noticed the floor. I thought linoleum and then I didn't think that was around in the 1860's.

When studying photographs one needs to study the entire photo. For example the pattern on the floor and the type of backdrops used can help date a photograph.

 

[YankeeDoodle]

I think that is a painted "floor cloth." Floor cloths were popular before and during the CW - rugs really didnt become popular for floors until after the CW. The most common patterns were geometric and floral. They were made of canvas covered with linseed or shellac resulting in a covering that blocked draft from the gaps in the floorboards. The floor cloths were also useful to protect against splinters from rough wood and to make sweeping out easier.

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Whenever i see pics like this I always wonder...Who were these people..what were their names..what was life like for them..and whatever happened to them... I sometimes wonder what they would say if someone told them their pics would be converted to digital images and shared on a world wide web of computers....?

 

[major bill]

I wonder how much a mint condition uniform would go for?

If you have to wonder, then you probably can't afford one. OK, on a more serious note, if they can be tied to a particular unit or person they can be very pricey.

 

[YankeeDoodle]

If you have to wonder, then you probably can't afford one. OK, on a more serious note, if they can be tied to a particular unit or person they can be very pricey.

I wonder if they are even available..

 

[major bill]

There are many Civil War uniforms in private hands. Most could be purchased for a price. I have seen up close perhaps 40 uniforms in private hands, maybe 20 uniforms up close in non private collections. If you think Civil War uniforms are rare I seen only one American Revolution uniform up close. I was not allowed to touch the uniform.