Interesting photo of William Catt, 11th Kansas Cavalry

[dixieflyer]

Re: Interesting photo of William Catt, 11th Kansas Cavalry

Just as food for thought, I am going to throw this out that the guns and holsters and belt are studio props. Some similarity in the belts, the way the flap is done, the cloth on the table, the use of a book in the pictures. Thoughts?

That and every soldier likes to look bad to the bone in a pic to send his girl back home. ;)

[GAR]

Re: Interesting photo of William Catt, 11th Kansas Cavalry

It's certainly a possibility, but all the belts look different to me, the right hip holster has a flap in one of the pictures, and usually with studio props, the second weapon would be a knife, a sword or a long arm. I don't recall double rig holsters being used like this in other staged photos, but it could explain the lack of cap pouches.

[rbruno]

Re: Interesting photo of William Catt, 11th Kansas Cavalry

It is just a thought. The book is the same in the two pictures. You can see the black corners of the book's cover in both photos. Still really great pictures.

[GAR]

Re: Interesting photo of William Catt, 11th Kansas Cavalry

Rob, I think you're right as the tablecloth pattern also seems to match. I'm just not as sure that the double rigs were a studio prop.
Since they were all from the same unit, it's very likely they all went to the same studio, which was probably the closest one to their camp. It's even quite possible that they all went together after getting paid. If so, the variety of uniforms worn becomes even a better view into how things were done. What a shame it is that period photos don't have time stamps. It would explain so many things.
I agree that these pictures are great, and even better as a set.