Full-length studio portrait albumen CDV. Photographer uncredited, [circa 1861-1863]. Research pencil identification to mount verso reads: "14th B - 84th NY."

This exceptional full-length portrait captures an unidentified soldier of the famed 14th Brooklyn (officially the 84th New York Infantry) in the regiment's iconic chasseur-style uniform. He stands confidently against a studio pedestal draped with an American flag, holding his regimental kepi prominently in his right hand to display the unit numbers. The distinctive cut of his short jacket, featuring numerous buttons and detailed trim, along with the loose-fitting trousers, instantly identifies his storied unit. A small badge or pin is visible on his left breast, and a pocket watch chain hangs neatly from his waist.

The 14th Regiment New York State Militia, affectionately known as the 14th Brooklyn, was one of the most famous and hard-fighting units in the Army of the Potomac. Refusing to adopt standard federal blue, the regiment fiercely retained its distinctive French chasseur-inspired uniforms—featuring red false-chasseur trousers and red kepis—throughout their service. They earned the moniker "Red Legged Devils" during the First Battle of Bull Run, a nickname allegedly bestowed by Confederate General Stonewall Jackson. The regiment went on to fight with immense distinction at Second Bull Run, Antietam, and famously at the Railroad Cut during the pivotal first day of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Finding a crisp, full-length study of a "Red Legged Devil" flanked by an American flag is exceptionally scarce in Civil War photography. It is no surprise that this was one of Rick's personal favorites. 

[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, Stereographs] [Civil War, Union, Confederate]

The image is in very good to excellent condition, exhibiting a slightly soft, warm tonality typical of period photography. The albumen surface shows some minor surface wear.