Description
Exceptionally rare sixth plate, early war tintype of an unidentified member of Berdan’s 1st United States Sharpshooters. This sharpshooter is shown armed with his heavy barreled target rifle with double set triggers. He stands dressed in a blue, 5 button Wisconsin blouse which would identify him as a member of Company G. This view is extremely unique. Company G of the 1st U.S.S.S was organized in Madison, Wisconsin before rendezvousing with the remainder of the regiment at Weehawkin, New Jersey en route to Washington. There are a couple of known views of men from this company dressed in the grey Wisconsin state issue frocks, however this is the first example we are aware of dressed in the blue Wisconsin blouse. The Wisconsin blouse, heavy target rifle and brass letter “G” pinned to the front of his cap removes all doubt to his affiliation. This view was most likely taken Camp Randall before leaving for New Jersey. Hung from his shoulder, one can see the powder horn for his rifle. He wears a simple civilian belt with a single roller buckle on which is worn his cap box. A revolver can be seen tucked into the belt while his cartridge box rests on his hip and worn over the shoulder. Company G would go on to fight at Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Hanover Court House, Spotsylvania, Wilderness and several more. They would lose 22 men killed from the company killed in action and another 13 from disease. Extremely rare view!
