Civil War–Era Native American Union Officer CDV

Description

Civil War–Era Native American Union Officer CDV

Native American Man Wearing Union Second Lieutenant’s Frock Coat, c. 1862–1865

 

Rare and historically significant Civil War–era carte de visite depicting a Native American man posed in studio portrait wearing a regulation United States Army officer’s frock coat with Second Lieutenant shoulder straps. The sitter is shown standing in three-quarter profile, holding a staff or cane, and combining Federal military dress with traditional Native American attire and adornment, including a feathered headpiece and long hair worn loose beneath it.

 

The frock coat is of correct wartime cut and construction, consistent with Union officer manufacture of the early–mid 1860s, and is further accented by a visible military waist sash, worn in regulation fashion. The shoulder straps clearly indicate the rank of Second Lieutenant, making this an exceptionally uncommon image, as Native American commissioned officers—and images thereof—are exceedingly rare. The deliberate pairing of Indigenous regalia with Federal officer uniform strongly suggests symbolic representation of service, alliance, or authority rather than theatrical costume.

 

Native Americans served the Union cause in numerous capacities during the Civil War, including as soldiers, scouts, guides, and interpreters, with documented participation among tribes such as the Delaware, Cherokee (Union faction), and various Iroquois nations. Photographic representations of this service are scarce, and period CDVs showing Native Americans in authentic Union officer uniforms are virtually unknown outside of institutional collections.

 

The image is housed on an unmarked period CDV mount with soft albumen tones and gentle edge vignetting, consistent with Civil War–era studio photography. Overall condition is very good, with strong visual impact and clarity of uniform details.

 

An extraordinarily rare Civil War photographic artifact, bridging Native American history and Union military history, and representing a survival class seldom encountered in private hands. Suitable for advanced Civil War, Native American, or institutional-level collections.

 

Comes housed in 6 x 8 riker display case with black velvet and descriptive card.

 

Inventory Number: CDV 595