Description
Exceptional sixth plate tintype of a double armed Federal infantryman. This young foot soldier sits dressed in the five button Wisconsin sack coat which were issued to some of the states early troops. There is something pinned to the front of his cap just above the buckle but I can quite make it out. A US waist belt is worn with his cap box and empty bayonet scabbard visible while a very thin leather strap supports his cartridge box which is out of sight. Double armed, he sports two seldom seen weapons. A Colt Navy revolver which is tucked into his belt and a very rare Dresden rifle which he proudly displays for the camera. The US Government procured some 29,000 of these Belgium produced rifles during the course of the war. While issued to only a handful of regiments, members of the 22nd and 30th Wisconsin Infantry were the only two Wisconsin regiments to receive these weapons. Steller image from the Badger state! Housed in a full leatherette case.
