Description
Early war, sixth plate melainotype of an unidentified New Jersey volunteer. Nice view of this infantryman armed with his M1855 musket and saber bayonet. Dressed in a sate issue New Jersey jacket with cloth shoulder tabs. His cap is worn with a large “L” painted on the front representing his company designation. A US waist belt is worn with the bayonet scabbard and a cartridge box with the large front flap. I have seen an example of this exact style box marked “PHILA. HOME GUARD” across the front flap. The Philadelphia Home Guard was raised and supported by the city of Philadelphia beginning in 1861and contained three regiments and two battalions of infantry, three artillery batteries and two cavalry companies. He may very well have belonged to that unit. This one comes housed in a full leatherette case.
