CDV- Principal Musician Of Light Artillery.

A super and scarce image of a light artillery principal musician in full dress/ band uniform, taken by McCabe’s Gallery, Little Rock, Arkansas.  This musician has the look of a regular Army type, wearing what the commanding officer of the regiment will allow his bandsmen to wear.

His belt appears to be either an enameled white leather belt, or a white cotton example. This image appeared in John Langellier’s book, ARMY BLUE, The Uniform of Uncle Sam’s Regulars, 1848-1873.  John felt the insignia within what is normally a sergeant major’s chevron, was a star. The angle is not direct enough to determine for sure if it is indeed a star.  I’m not sure, but the shako may be a departure from the issue light artillery shako, it looking a bit taller?

A nice image, showing again the endless variation of Civil War uniforms.

Great uniform study piece in fine condition. Clipped corners.

From the Michael McAfee Collection.

This image was featured in John Langellier’s book, ARMY BLUE, The Uniform of Uncle Sam’s Regulars, 1848-1873.