A Militia Soldier Posed with a Plumed Shako, Early 1850s
A militia soldier stands in a red-trimmed frock coat with matching epaulettes and a white buff belt fastened by a small Pattern 1839 US buckle. He holds a plumed bell
Tag: militia
A Field Guide to Union Hussars
By Ron Field Some of the original European hussars served as quasi-military auxiliaries raised in 1458 by King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary to fight against the Turks. The hussars developed
Hints of Antebellum Militia and Regular Army
The jacket worn by this clean-shaven soldier suggests a Mexican War era militiaman: high collar, tight-fitting sleeves and cuff trim. One would expect cloth epaulettes with short fringe for enlisted
A Militia Corporal with an Artillery Sword
Militia uniforms worn during the years preceding the Civil War are full of surprises. The militiaman in this ambrotype is no exception. Of particular interest is the corporal’s gold-tinted chevrons
Drum and Guidon
Using his drum as a stool, this boy served in a New York City militia organization, as evidenced by the pompon ornament at the top of his dress cap. It
Paper and Sword
The rolled paper on the tabletop and sword pictured here are at the heart of a theory about the sitter in this ambrotype. The robust pommel of his sword indicates
Bearskin and Brass: A Stylish Bay Stater
At first glance, the mammoth bearskin cap parked on the table next to this soldier is an attention-grabber. Though the name of its wearer is currently lost in time, the
Elmer Ellsworth, Haute Couturier? A previously unknown portrait of the Union martyr offers insight into his design method
By Ron Field, Michael J. McAfee, and Ronald S. Coddington Had the Civil War not taken place, Elmer Ephraim Ellsworth might have been best remembered as the visionary brainchild behind
The Battle Against Uniform Uniforms
By Michael J. McAfee The 10th Regiment of the New York State Militia was originally based in New York City. Its officers however, refused to adhere to an effort by
Unsung Pioneer Photo Collector: Samuel Crocker Lawrence and the Medford Collection
By Ronald S. Coddington Veterans have always told war stories. Those who survived the Civil War were no exception, and they number among the earliest to recall their service through