Description
Rare and seldom found, quarter plate ambrotype of an unidentified member of the the famed 5th New York Infantry Regiment, also known as Duryée’s Zouaves. Full length studio pose of this soldier dressed in the Zouave inspired uniform the regiment was famous for. This view would have been taken in New York, presumably in April or May of 1861. His great coat can been seen draped over the banister suggesting the weather, at the time remained rather cool. His fez with the yellow tassel rests on the table at his side. Several known views of the 5th New York have been photographed in this studio which would suggest these were taken prior to the regiment leaving for the Virginia Peninsular in late May, 1861. This one does have a slight bit of tinting to the entire plate, but it has become faded over time. Known as the “Red Legged Devil’s”, they would earn a reputation for their tenacious fighting abilities. They would fight in some of the most contested battles. Gaines Mill, Malvern Hill, Bull Run, Antietam, Chancellorsville and a handful of others. This one comes housed in a full leatherette case. Rare and very sought after regiment.
