U.S. Uniforms
1865-1898
If you have a Spanish American War
or Indian War uniform photograph you would like to share with other
viewers,
please
send a sharp print, negative or e-mail a JPG image
so I can
insert
it on this page. Also, send as much information as you have about the
picture. Doug McChristian's critique of the uniform
will be posted on this page. For details,
email me at afrasca@erinet.com
Doug McChristian's critique: This officer is something of a puzzle. His
nondescript outfit could
date from the Civil War to the Spanish-American. But, the cabinet-style
image
suggests to me that it dates to the '80s or even '90s. He appears to be a
major or lieutenant colonel of the general staff. The sword indicates he
is a
medical officer.
Photograph from Bill Chachula.
Great shot of heavy winter coats. Doug McChristian's critique: This is an
unusual photo of
soldiers wearing overcoats c.1890 or
later. The man on the right appears to have artillery insignia on his cap;
I'm not certain about the other one. His insignia appears to be different,
though it may just be indistinct in the photo.
Photograph from Bill
Chachula.
An image probably from the
1870s, perhaps the early '80s. Doug McChristian's critique: The
absence
of any cap insignia suggests to me that it may date prior to 1875,
although
what appears to be piping on the man's shirt collar may indicate that he
is
wearing the 1881 pattern blue shirt. I don't see anything else diagnostic.
Interestingly, his overcoat (or a studio prop) lies on a stand at his
right.
It is obviously an early sky-blue coat, but not enough of it shows to
determine the exact type.
Photograph from Bill
Chachula.
A late 1880s or 1890s artilleryman. Photograph from Bill Chachula.
A late 1880s or 1890s musician attired in a somewhat informal manner.
He has a kepi rather than a helmet. Doug McChristian's critique: Light
artillery trumpeter c.late 1880s -
early '90s. As was common
for
off-duty wear, especially for studio poses, he wears his forage cap with
the
dress coat. He also has the helmet cord arranged in a non-regulation
manner,
probably for the camera. (Note to collectors: The U. S. Army never applied
the French term "kepi" to its headgear. The correct American term is
FORAGE
CAP. Sort of like "trapdoor" Springfields. The army never knew them by
that
term. This is modern collector jargon. Just voicing a couple of my pet
peeves!)
Photograph from Bill Chachula.
Doug McChristian's critique: This a photo of a cavalry musician
dating to the late 1880s - 1890s. I see nothing unusual about the uniform
and my opinion is that the soldier is a regular. If one could discern
whether there is a silver number, or a lyre, on the helmet plate, would
identify him either as a trumpeter or a member of the band.
Photograph from Bill Chachula and digitized by Joe Poyer.
