A thin-bearded volunteer poses with all the trappings of a militiaman. He is a private—don’t be tricked by the officer’s shoulder straps on his uniform, which are purely decorative. His equipment is varied: A Pattern 1839 waist belt popular during the late Mexican War, a cap box of a style produce from the 1850s through the early Civil War, and a shoulder sling, cartridge box and powder flask of the era. A plumed dress cap of the 1851 pattern sits on the small table beside him. His weapon is the muzzle-loading Model 1841 type, better known as a Mississippi rifle.
SPREAD THE WORD: We encourage you to share this story on social media and elsewhere to educate and raise awareness. If you wish to use any image on this page for another purpose, please request permission.
LEARN MORE about Military Images, America’s only magazine dedicated to showcasing, interpreting and preserving Civil War portrait photography.
VISIT OUR STORE to subscribe, renew a subscription, and more.