A Mexican War Volunteer
The cross-belts and bayonet scabbard worn by this volunteer are consistent with equipment used during the Mexican War. His tailcoat with tapered sleeves and buttons (known as “coin buttons” for
Category: Antebellum Warriors
A Militia Company on Parade
A militia company stands along a roadway in Angelica, N.Y., while curious townspeople inspect them. Armed with muskets and wearing pompon-topped shakos and cross-belts, they appear ready for parade. According
The Officer Who Executed General Order No. 227
There could be no question by January 1860 that the nation was going to war. At least this was the opinion of Connecticut Gov. William A. Buckingham, commander-in-chief of the
Possible Revenue-Marine Sailor
By Ron Field Identified as Joseph White, this seafarer may have served in the antebellum Revenue-Marine Service. He wears an overshirt with large stars on the collar, a black silk
The Sapper
By Ron Field Axe-wielding sappers were an invaluable asset to Napoleonic armies, and still prominent in many antebellum U.S. militia units. During the 1850s, sappers were the militia equivalent of
An 1840s Selfie?
The braid, ornate collar and cuff embroidery, epaulettes and feathered chapeau worn by this mustachioed officer reminds one of “Old Fuss and Feathers”—Lt. Gen. Winfield Scott. But the identity of
Worth’s Wars
Behind this portrait of a West Pointer exists a tragic story of a military family divided by loyalties, and a lifetime of pain from war wounds. He is Henry Augustus
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
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