Full-length standing studio portrait albumen CDV. Photographer unidentified, [ca. 1861-5]. Period ink inscription to mount recto reads: "Sgt. Elbridge Williams / U.S. Cavalry." Modern ink inscription to mount verso reads: "Elbridge Williams / 1st Sgt."

This visually spectacular full-length portrait captures 1st Sgt. Elbridge Williams of the Regular Army's U.S. Cavalry. Williams presents a classic, rugged cavalryman's appearance, standing confidently in tall riding boots, light trousers and a shell jacket prominently displaying his first sergeant chevrons and a non-commissioned officer's sash. He wears a wide leather carbine sling across his chest and rests his left hand near his cavalry saber. The composition is highly unusual and deeply desirable: He leans against a studio pedestal draped with his heavy cavalry overcoat, which also conspicuously displays massive first sergeant chevrons, with his forage cap resting on top.

While the vast majority of Federal troopers during the Civil War served in state volunteer regiments, the Regular Army cavalry regiments represented the professional core of the Union mounted arm. These regulars served as the model of discipline and tactical proficiency for the volunteer units in the field. First sergeants like Elbridge Williams were the absolute backbone of these professional regiments, responsible for the daily discipline, drill and combat readiness of their companies. Portraits of identified Regular Army non-commissioned officers are exceptionally scarce and represent a highly sought-after niche for advanced cavalry collectors.

Rick made it clear that this particular image was a personal favorite — he referred to the carte lovingly as "his favorite sergeant." Aesthetically, it was at the top of his list. What vexed Rick for decades however was Eldridge's identity; he seems to have been a ghost. This may be explained by his association with the regular army, which was simply not as good as record keeping as the state adjutants, who were some of the best data managers of all time. Perhaps a new caretaker can finally put the mystery to rest. 

[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 to excellent condition. The albumen surface exhibits a rich tonality with outstanding contrast and clarity.