Full-length standing studio portrait albumen CDV. Photographer unidentified, [circa 1864]. Canceled 2-cent US Internal Revenue stamp to mount verso. Period pencil inscription to mount verso features a date that appears to read, "Nov 1st 1864," alongside other faded, barely illegible notations (possibly initials).

This visually arresting full-length portrait captures a rugged, fully equipped Union cavalryman ready for the field. He wears a dark slouch hat; a distinctive, thick or possibly quilted sack coat; and light-colored trousers. What truly sets this image apart is the spectacular display of weaponry. The trooper stands resting his right hand on the barrel of his Spencer carbine, while a large-frame revolver is tucked prominently into his belt next to his regulation US oval buckle. His cavalry saber hangs from his left side, and a wide leather carbine sling crosses his chest.

By late 1864, the Union cavalry had transformed from a poorly equipped, inexperienced force into a highly lethal and mobile strike arm. This soldier perfectly embodies that transformation. Discarding the parade-ground polish and ceremonial uniforms of the early war, this trooper is dressed strictly for practicality and survival. Carrying a Spencer carbine for dismounted skirmishing, a revolver for close-quarters combat and a saber for the mounted charge, he represents the pinnacle of 19th-century American mounted warfare. Images displaying this complete trifecta of cavalry weapons, especially a scarcely-seen Spencer, are aggressively sought after by collectors.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Photography, Early Photography, Historic Photography, Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Tintypes, Cased Images, Union Cases, Albumen Photographs, CDVs, Carte de Visites, Cartes de Visite, Carte-de-visite, Cartes-de-visite, CDV, Cabinet Cards, Stereoviews, Stereocards]

The image is in very good condition. The albumen surface exhibits a soft tonality with excellent clarity. There is minor surface wear, some light scattered foxing and age-related fading typical of period photography.