Civil War Tintype of African American Cavalryman, Likely Taken in the Field

US Colored Troops, African American

Original Photo

Civil War tintype of an African American cavalryman, likely taken in the field. 2 5/8 x 3 1/8 in. Circa 1864-5. Seated subject wears a kepi with indecipherable device and infantry jacket with sleeve embroidery. Among the US Colored Troops, cavalrymen were especially rare with just two regiments, the 9th and the 10th Colored Cavalry, being raised after the conclusion of the Civil War. Black soldiers constituted about 10 percent of the U.S. Regular Army, even though they were segregated into just a few units. Despite the inglorious origin of most Black troops, who usually began as former slaves pressed into service as laborers, these men would receive acclaim for their combat. These Black troops would go on to fight in the Indian Wars, where they became known as the Buffalo Soldiers, nicknamed by Native Americans who likened their hair to bison fur. Some historians argue that when slaves worked with the Union during the Civil War, they were effectively participating in a slave rebellion on a massive scale. The man depicted in this photo was one of these early trailblazers, and the square cut of this tintype strongly suggests that this photo was taken in the field. Heavy wear including oxidation spots, heavy surface rubbing and scratching. Overall good condition.

Item #18599

Price: $3,500.00