Unusual Uniform

[roundshot]

While the cavalrymen lounging about the CS fortifications of Centreville, VA are interesting in their own right, the fellow on the far left sports an unusual uniform. Looks like a 7 or 8 button frock withshoulder straps. Can't tell if the cuffs are turnbacks or match the straps. Could it be one of the German regiments (20th NYSM)? Anyone have any ideas? From the Library of Congress collection. The guy in the far background standing on top of the works wears similar attire with what looks like leather gaiters.

[1stMaine]

Re: Unusual Uniform

Comrade,

A couple of things I noticed. One, the fellow with his right side towards the camera appears to be another one of those who prefered to tuck their blouse into their trousers....

On the ground at the base of the redoubt appears to be a cartridge box of some sort, perhaps an English pattern with the top flap removed, or maybe an early (1809-1833) type .69 box, with a musket tool laying upon it, with the screwdriver blades apart.

Nice farby hats those cavalrymen are wearing, eh? Reminds me of the images of cav and arty reenactors from the centennia :)

Respects,

[tsgalloway]

Re: Unusual Uniform

I like the pinky ring on the gentleman closest to the camera.

[GreencoatCross]

Re: Unusual Uniform

The frock may be a state issue garment. I've seen early-war images of New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont soldiers wearing seven to nine button frocks with shoulder tabs. There is also an original New Hampshire state frock coat in Don Troiani's collection that features shoulder tabs underneath a pair of shoulder scales. This coat is also interesting because it's made from a lightly finished, shoddy wool flannel.

Brian White
Wambaugh, White, & Co.

https://www.wwandcompany.com

[Will Eichler]

Re: Unusual Uniform

Do I miss the mark or is that the photographer's wagon in the background? Dark cover and flapped on all sides as best I can tell.

Subtle way to "sign one's work" as they sometimes say in my trade.

Regards,

Will

[ScottCross]

Re: Unusual Uniform

Will,

I'd say that is a photographer's wagon. The canvas cover is dark and there appears to be small windows (possibly with red tinted glass). You can see the difference compared to the ambulance located just right of the building.