Soldiers in pre-war civilian fashion with cravats

[AZReenactor]

I thought I'd share this photo I recently recieved of SGT D.L. Russell of the 8th Texas Cavalry (on the right). I'm guessing it is from his pre war college days at Cumberland University (Tennessee).

While a friend says he is glad this fashion went by the wayside, I can't help wondering if the cravats in this photos aren't somehow a preferable equivalent to the tatoos and body piercings of today.

It came from an album (http://cgi.liveauctions.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2238650328) on sale through EBay.

[markj]

Interesting pics--I've passed on the eBay link to Don Troiani for his information. The wearing of oversized cravats extended well into the 1860's--I've seen pictures of Federal troops wearing them over their sack coats.

However, I would opine that it's a bit of a stretch to equate oversized neckwear with "body art" (although both are "fads") since, of course, cravats do not alter one's physical appearance in a lasting way.

For an interesting thread about period "body art," refer to this:

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1012&highlight=tattoos

Regards,

Mark Jaeger

[AZReenactor]

I wasn't exactlty equating it to body art but rather youthful expression. And us such, a much preferable form than the "body art" or self mutilation that seems so poular today.

I really am curious is the large cravats were common fashion or merely a youthful expression outside of societal norms. Has anyone come across any period comentary on cravat fashions?

[Drygoods]

Wow! what great 1850s images. Another neat cravat style worn during the early to mid 1850s was to have one large loop on the left and both tie ends sticking out to the right. Kinda that bad boy hip look of the time. I've seen that worn from gold rush images.
Mfr,
Judith Peebles

[markj]

Greetings,

Here are lots of other nice images, some of which show men wearing cravats very similar to those in your post.

http://search.liveauctions.ebay.com/search/search.dll?GetResult&ht=11&ctlgid=5805&lc=1&isl=0&ccn=Antiques%20%26%20Decorative%20Arts&ahid=1204

Regards,

Mark Jaeger

[markj]

Here's another image of an oversized cravat, undoubtedly dating from the 1850's:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=13704&item=3292203130&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

And, whoa!, check out this guy's psychedelic tie!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3292122479

Regards,

Mark Jaeger

[Drygoods]

Mark, what great finds for men's clothing styles of the 1850s! Those images are really great. Most folks don't notice that men's clothing was so colorful during the 1850 decade, but vests and cravats were loaded with not only color but some wild designs. I like 'em.

The other thing that amazed me was the amount of dags sold on that one auction dealer. Yikes! I know that occupation and post-mortems can sell for higher prices, but geez, nothing lower than $150? I find dags here at home for about $24, sometimes as low as $9.

I wonder, do you know anyone who sells reproduction photo albums for CDVs? Last night I was watching an auction for a CDV album that had several images of people of note of the 1860s, and within the last two minutes it went from $92 to $355! No doubt it will soon be broken up and sold piece by piece on ebay. Still, at least folks will get to buy the images they want and use them at home or with their impression....gotta look for the bright side.

Anyway, thanks again for those great images of men's clothes. If you find more, please post them.

Mfr,
Judith Peebles

[markj]

Mark, what great finds for men's clothing styles of the 1850s! Those images are really great. Most folks don't notice that men's clothing was so colorful during the 1850 decade, but vests and cravats were loaded with not only color but some wild designs. I like 'em.

The other thing that amazed me was the amount of dags sold on that one auction dealer. Yikes! I know that occupation and post-mortems can sell for higher prices, but geez, nothing lower than $150? I find dags here at home for about $24, sometimes as low as $9.

I wonder, do you know anyone who sells reproduction photo albums for CDVs? Last night I was watching an auction for a CDV album that had several images of people of note of the 1860s, and within the last two minutes it went from $92 to $355! No doubt it will soon be broken up and sold piece by piece on ebay. Still, at least folks will get to buy the images they want and use them at home or with their impression....gotta look for the bright side.

Anyway, thanks again for those great images of men's clothes. If you find more, please post them.

Mfr,
Judith Peebles

Hi Judith,

Glad you enjoyed the images. I know exactly what you mean about the prices of dags and ambros. Here in Indiana, you can still get them for "not too much." Just the other day I was in a Zionsville IN antique mall and noticed a number of very nice 1850's citizen images. One of them, showing a young boy wearing an elaborate, checked shirt was being offered for only $12.50. Another, showing a gentleman in his 20's or 30's, wearing what appeared to be a white linen summer coat, was only $25. I expect I'll go back and get both of them.

CDV's are also pretty cheap here in Hoosier-land. I recently bought a nice 1860's image of a young lady in a polka-dotted dress, wearing a watch and chain, for only $4. In Crawfordsville IN, I also got a Federal soldier cdv when I found it sandwiched in with a bunch of other photos--got the whole lot for $2. Life is good.

Regards,

Mark Jaeger