Military CDV? Help Identifying War?

Hello,

Was at a Flea Market today and found this little guy.

Not sure if it's a Military photo, posed photo or hunting?


I'm leaning towards military by the jackets and hats. Though I'm not sure.

Was wondering if anyone could help identify the rifles. Possibly Mexican American War?

Thanks in advance!

 

4 brothers.
I would have guessed Civil War, not Mexican War. But that is just a guess

 

It could possibly be. I was just going by the boots and rifles, which looked more "Spanish American War" period to me than Civil War. But I could be totally wrong. I'm not an expert on rifles

 

Bayonets, and their shirts are buttoned up, seems to be that it would be military. When? S.A.W. or around that time probably.

 

I agree on military of some kind, though they don't have any insignia of any kind. Perhaps some local militia group?

Those hats look "western" to me.

 

The rifles look to be Springfield 1863 trapdoor models, with New Jersey belt hangers and 18" U.S. socket bayonets.

Civil war ear I'd say.

 

THose hats might a type of "Campaign hats." They were used from the Civil War to WWII with minor changes made from time to time. The front of the crown just above the brim may have an emblem, but the exposure, age, of the picture makes it impossible to see. I almost think I see something just above the brim of the hat on the boy/man standing top right. Maybe something like one of these reproduction hats:

http://www.militaryhats.com/hats.php?catText=Campaign Hats&catID=63

They all appear to have the same type belt. The belts appear to have canvas or leather pouches/cases attached. Here's a zoomed pic of the belts. Zooming in has seriously distorted the pics. Am also including a pic of the belts without zooming.

--- Susan

 

I tried to take some better photos of the belts, and the photo.

Hope these help!

 

I also think it's weird they used a canvas backdrop in an outdoor setting. (the grass under their feet)

 

funny i don't see a pistol among them...

 

That does seem odd. If it is civil war, do they look southern? I'm still leaning towards after that period, but not sure.

 

I'm not sure, but don't believe pistols were universally issued to enlisted soldiers. Pistols were probably issued to the cavalry. If an enlisted man had a pistol, it was probably bought by him.

As to whether Union or CSA, I think Union. I believe there was more color differences between Union blouses/jackets and trousers with the jackets darker than CSA enlisted jackets and trousers??? CSA jackets and trousers tended to be of the same color??? These are just assumptions, do wait for the more knowledgeable military people to chime in.

--- Susan

 

I don't see Civil War at all. Plus a couple of them are smiling. Maybe not even American? They look more like a group of cadets. It's the hats that are confusing. They aren't any kind of military or cadet group style that I've seen in this country. They have a Western or even Australian feel.

 

I think they are American due to the Rifles. They look to be American, as well as the boots, but I agree... I think it's post Civil War.

 

Where's Springfield ??

 

Pic is 1884 or later due to the Springfield m1884 military rifles. Possibly a Nat. Guard unit. All rifles have slings properly rigged which probably means this is really some military unit despite lack of hair discipline. Notice that pair of creatures on far right top and bottom are most likely twins-check the matching ears. Upper right creature may be mentally-challenged. May also be a militia unit of some kind-there were zillions in late 19th C. In US. Interesting photo. Actually it looks like these may be all the males in one family-perhaps dad and 3 brothers, forget military unit unless something to do with militia.

 

The photo appears to be late 19th century or early 20th century. This is based on what I can tell of the card stock it is mounted on. It appears to be rather dark, and generally those are 1880s or later.

I am looking with my phone right now. Will try to check later when at a computer.

 

I was thinking possibly Spanish American War due to the boots, hats and rifles. I also believe they are brothers, or at least a few of them.

 

The board is a mid level gray color. I was thinking 1880's-1890's myself. But was unsure.

 

I missed on the rifle model, it is the U.S. M 1884, not M 1873, so edited my post. The rear sight is noticeably different between the two models, otherwise they are similar-looking.