Lt. William Eggleston 1843-1904

[agintomboy]

Would like feedback on what looks like a belt under his coat and over his vest. He is my GGgranduncle, initially with the 18th MS, Co. K with his brother Charles 1839-1864 then they went to the Confederate Signal Corps, ANV under their first cousin Capt. Richard Eggleston Wilbourne. According to my distant white, first cousin Dr. Robert Eggleston, both of them were captured at Gettysburg, Charles escaped from a NY prison and William was later exchanged. He ended up the war as a staff officer with BG Peter Stark of Hampton's Legion.

Anita L. Henderson
Atlantic Guard Soldiers' Aid Society

https://www.agsas.org

[Emmanuel Dabney]

Re: Lt. William Eggleston 1843-1904

To me it just looks like the lower part of his vest. Maybe my eyes aren't cooperative.

[GermanDraftee]

Re: Lt. William Eggleston 1843-1904

A good element of speculation, here. It appears to my eyes that it is a lanyard of some sort. There seem to be two two pieces (or one looped piece) that join together just below the vest collar. The joined piece then trails off to the side, underneath the coat. Looks to be too much material for holding a watch. Holster, maybe? I'll stop here, before my imagination carries me completely away.

[agintomboy]

Re: Lt. William Eggleston 1843-1904

Thanks for your feedback Em! Congrats on your degree!

Anita

[agintomboy]

Re: Lt. William Eggleston 1843-1904

Dear John:

A lanyard is an excellent possibility, maybe a pistol lanyard? Unfortunately it is hard to distinguish exactly what it is. I know they were used by cavalry and also probably staff officers especially since they generally weren't armed with carbines or muskets. Thanks so much for your feedback!

Anita

[GAR]

Re: Lt. William Eggleston 1843-1904

It appears to me that his jacket is bulged out in two lines that start at the waist and the arm and converge on the vest. The triangular bulge has a slightly darker tone when you squint at it. It does appear that there is something there. I can't imagine it being a small satchel as I would think such an object would have been removed for a formal portrait but it does look like a sling or strap to something is indeed there.

[Agate]

Re: Lt. William Eggleston 1843-1904

I would suggest a period wallet or perhaps a journal or book of some sort, sticking out of a pocket in the lining of his jacket.

[agintomboy]

Re: Lt. William Eggleston 1843-1904

Dear Gary:

Thanks for your feedback! It is frustrating not having a clear view of whatever is there.

Anita

[agintomboy]

Re: Lt. William Eggleston 1843-1904

Dear John:

Wow John! I hadn't considered that as a choice! Thanks for your feedback.

Anita