Notice the foot placement at right shoulder shift

[Tyler Underwood]

The title says it all.

[Silas]

Re: Notice the foot placement at right shoulder shift

But what are you suggesting? The below is right out of Hardee's Revised :

Right shoulder shift—ARMS.
One time and two motions.

210. (First motion.) Detach the piece perpendicularly from the shoulder with the right hand, and seize it with the left between the lower band and guide-sight, raise the piece, the left hand at the height of the shoulder and four inches from it ; place, at the same time, the right hand on the butt, the beak between the first two fingers, the other two fingers under the butt plate.

211. (Second motion.) Quit the piece with the left hand, raise and place the piece on the right shoulder with the right hand, the lock plate upwards ; let fall, at the same time, the left hand by the side.

As an aside, I had the text readily available as I'm working on a new manual of arms booklet. This one is Hardee's Revised and is intended for use at events for the remainder of the 150th cycle. I'm poking away at the booklet.

[Tyler Underwood]

Re: Notice the foot placement at right shoulder shift

What I am pointing out is that it appears to me that everyone’s right foot has been moved to the rear as if they were at rest. Are my eyes playing tricks on me?

[Silas]

Re: Notice the foot placement at right shoulder shift

Makes for a better platform when having to stand still for a photo.

[FranklinGuardsNYSM]

Re: Notice the foot placement at right shoulder shift

I interpret this as a simulation of a column in motion for the benefit of the camera. The same thing turns up in this Support Arms image of the 26th NY at Fort Lyon, VA, which erroneously* implies that troops may march in line while at this position.

In reality, each seems like a case of "okay, Colonel, have 'em do something pretty with their gun things...perfect. And...hey, y'know what? How 'bout all y'all throw one leg out in front so it'll look like you're marching, and stuff! That'd be cool!"

*per my research, at least.

[CompanyWag]

Re: Notice the foot placement at right shoulder shift

Exactimundo! The same effect is seen in this 1858 image taken at Fort Bridger, albeit the foot positions are much more random...

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Notice the foot placement at right shoulder shift

Hallo!

Photographer: "What can you do to make it look like the men are marching but have the men stand still so as not to blur their feet due to my camera's slow exposure?
Colonel: "I know, try this."

:)

Curt