Uniform

[ramkuma]

I would like to hear peoples thoughts on this uniform.

 

[Nathan Stuart]

Thought the pistol shown loosely tucked in the top of his pants to be interesting. It might suggest he was some type of mounted fighter, like a cavalryman.

 

[Dan Kohli]

Thought the pistol shown loosely tucked in the top of his pants to be interesting. It might suggest he was some type of mounted fighter, like a cavalryman.

It's common to have a pistol tucked in somewhere one's person in these types of portraits. It is a common belief that most of the pistols were props of the photographer's.

 

[7thWisconsin]

I think that´s a S&W #2 in .22 in his trouser band. He has the cuffs turned back on the sleeves and the entire coat looks somewhat big on him. Meaning that it might not be his to start with? Jacket and pistol both may be props? I think that´s a Federal forage cap, and I can´t see enough detail to make that into a VRC coatee. It´s not a Federal artillery or cavalry coat. Is this a COnfederate, maybe?

 

[Rusk County Avengers]

Where the uniform is concerned, I'm leaning towards it being a Federal soldier in an early war, gray State issued jacket. It COULD be a Confederate soldier in a Type 2 Richmond Depot jacket though.

I'm hesitant to say a CS soldier in a Richmond because the fabric is woolen, instead of jean, with a forage cap, with matching trousers with dark colored trim on the outer seam, and him not looking to be an NCO.

The cap is a Federal type one, instead of a blue or black kepi, which was more common than a forage cap in CS ranks, and it seems unlikely to see that. A woolen kersey Type 2 Richmond is more a mid to late war item, and a CS soldier wearing a cap or kepi that looks so Federal seems unlikely, along with the trousers, but this was common in early war Federal Volunteer regiments. Also, the apparent cartridge pistol, another thing uncommon for a CS soldier at all or even in a Southern photographer's prop cabinet.

Could be either one though. I know a few folks out there may see something I don't though.

 

[major bill]

I am looking at the matching should straps. Look how the straps bow up. These appear not to be double thickness straps but simply folded under and sewn. At least to me this might indicate an early war image.