What year is this?

[major bill]

I am thinking of purchasing this. This kind of looks post war to me but I am not so sure. Can anyone help me?

 

[Jobe Holiday]

Most likely an 1880's Militia photo.
J.

 

[major bill]

This is in the area of my guess as well. I need to research the photographic studio. The back drop looks a bit to professional painted for a Civil War back drop.

 

[hawknknife]

This is in the area of my guess as well. I need to research the photographic studio. The back drop looks a bit to professional painted for a Civil War back drop.

As he is holding what appears to be a trapdoor springfield .45-70 with buffington rear sight, I'd day 1880's to early 90's.

 

[major bill]

Thank both of you for your help. I am giving some thought in beginning a study of Michigan Militia uniforms from 1865 to 1890s and not sure about this photo. My issue being it does not match any known militia unit from Saginaw or East Saginaw that I am aware of. Perhaps it is a militia company I do not know, or perhaps a militia man from another city visiting East Saginaw.

 

[Legion Para]

The uniform clearly tells you it is a post Civil War photograph.

It is a cabinet card which is a post Civil War photograph.

 

[AndyHall]

This portrait from the same photographer appears to use the same painted backdrop:


Expired Image Removed

 

[major bill]

Thank you every one who posted. I am coined that this is a post war image because the uniform does not match another photograph of what I believed to be the uniform worn by the local militia, I still have some research to do. Could be there were two local copies at that time, could be the company changed uniforms after a few years, could be a visiting company. Just too many could for me.

 

[Legion Para]

Thank you every one who posted. I am coined that this is a post war image because the uniform does not match another photograph of what I believed to be the uniform worn by the local militia, I still have some research to do. Could be there were two local copies at that time, could be the company changed uniforms after a few years, could be a visiting company. Just too many could for me.

Could you please post your other photograph?

 

[major bill]

This is the other photo, not a good copy. I was informed it was from Saginaw but can not conferm it.

 

[James N.]

The headgear is NOT the same: The first photo is ca. 1880's - 90's and is a shorter version of the one you just posted. That one is earlier, maybe by 10 years or so. The shako is based on that used by the U.S. Army during the Civil War exclusively for members of mounted or light artillery batteries in full dress. Post-war this ungainly style in a slightly modified version became regulation for the infantry as well until the new regulations of 1872 following the defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian War caused our headgear to become the equally silly-looking spiked helmets in supposed imitation of Prussian styles.

The main thing to remember however is that it's generally only AFTER official regulation uniform changes that bands, militia, and National Guard units like the one this fellow belonged to acquired them because they had been DUMPED by the military into the outstretched arms of the uniform dealers and suppliers like the M. C. Lilly Company who moved them on to even fraternal organizations who wanted to look spiffy for their Fourth of July parades!

 

[Package4]

Definitely post war, the first pic subject is wearing what appears to be an M1872 militia shako. The second pic has the Indian War side buttons on the militia shako IMHO. Nice pics though.

 

[James N.]

Another thing to look for: The fellow in the first photo is NOT carrying a Civil War Springfield rifle or rifled-musket: it is instead the shorter breech-loading so-called trapdoor Springfield which didn't appear until after the Civil War.

 

[Jobe Holiday]

Hawknknife already correctly identified the rifle as a post 1884 Springfield Trapdoor by virtue of the Buffington rear sight.
J.

 

[James N.]

Hawknknife already correctly identified the rifle as a post 1884 Springfield Trapdoor by virtue of the Buffington rear sight.
J.

Thanks; somehow I'd overlooked that post!

 

[major bill]

Thanks to all who answered. I am always surprise of how much our forum member know.