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Pards and the 3rd Vermont Infantry Band

Sixth plate tintype by an unidentified photographer. Sara Thompson Collection.
Sixth plate tintype by an unidentified photographer. Sara Thompson Collection.

The expression of these Union pards uniformed in sack coats suggest the unfocused glaze known as the “thousand-yard stare.” Their names and military service are currently lost in time.

Sixth plate tintype by an unidentified photographer. David Yunt Collection.
Sixth plate tintype by an unidentified photographer. David Yunt Collection.

Rare revolvers are featured in this portrait of a Union soldier and officer. The enlisted man, left, holds a First Model Smith & Wesson 22 caliber, seven shot tip-up revolver. Only 11,400 of these weapons were produced, all prior to the war. The first lieutenant next to him grips a 32 caliber Uhlinger revolver. Only 10,000 of these weapons were manufactured before lawsuits for patent infringement ended production.

Stereo card by an unidentified photographer. Mark Jones Collection.
Stereo card by an unidentified photographer. Mark Jones Collection.

The 3rd Vermont Infantry band posed with its instruments at the fairgrounds in St. Johnsbury, Vt., about July 1861. The grounds became known as Camp Baxter for the state’s Adjutant General, Horace Henry Baxter (1818-1884.) This image is believed to be previously unpublished.


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