Another interesting image

[K Bartsch]

While obviously posed, to me, this has always been an interesting image. I apologize for the quality, I scanned it because I've never found it online anywhere. The location and date are not known.

Obviously a federal gun detachment, drilling on a 20lb Parrott Rifle. Of particular interest, you'll note the #1 and #2 men aren't crouching with their downrange hand cupped over their ear as we see so often among artillery reenactors. Also, note the worm is stowed (since it is only required by us to withdraw the husks of fired blank cartridges.) Also interesting that both the #3 and #4 appear to be wearing tube pouches as specified by Gen Hunt.

Finally, how about those leather "loafers" worn by #2!?!

Cordially,

[1stMaine]

Comrades,

I've always suspected that this was a post-war image, mostly based on the 5-button blouse worn by the fellow in the background. That, plus the stack of balls would seem to indicate that it was aways a way from any imminent danger.
It's entirely possible that this image is wartime, but shot at some place behind the lines. My gut feeling, though, is that it sometime shortly after the war, maybe the late 1860's, early 1870's.
I have no proof regarding a post-war date, just a hunch. Still, a great image, especially the shoes...

Respects,

[marine05]

I too noticed the shoes!! Pretty shiny and it looks as if they are two tone, however it may be due to sunlight hitting the shine.

They are in the prescribed firing positions and no where does it state for cannoneers to cover their ears.

I like the image very much and thanks for posting it.

s/f

DJM

[K Bartsch]

Comrades,

I've always suspected that this was a post-war image, mostly based on the 5-button blouse worn by the fellow in the background. That, plus the stack of balls would seem to indicate that it was aways a way from any imminent danger.
It's entirely possible that this image is wartime, but shot at some place behind the lines. My gut feeling, though, is that it sometime shortly after the war, maybe the late 1860's, early 1870's.
I have no proof regarding a post-war date, just a hunch. Still, a great image, especially the shoes...

Respects,

It was shot in a fort. Perhaps one of the several ringing Washington? (notice the big gun mounted en barbette to the left of number 3 [6.4 inch Parrott?], and the implement rack just behind #1.

Cordially,

[Jefferson Guards]

I am almost certain that is an image of some heavy artillery types working in the defenses of Washington. I have a citation for it in one of my books, but will have to dig for it.

[roundshot]

The accouterments also appear to be black vs. the regulation oiled russet.

Bob Williams
Reilly's NC Btty

[Jefferson Guards]

I don't see any evidence for stating the accouterments are black as opposed to oiled russet. Compare the color of the shoes to that of the strap of the gunners haversack. To me the appearance of these accouterments look quite different from known black items (such as infantry cartrdge box straps and such).

[Chuck A Luck]

I find it interesting that the fellow holding the rammer has it resting on the toe of his shoe. Wouldn't want to soil it, I reckon.
...and note the (relatively) thin belt on the lanyard-puller, and how about 10" (or so) of it is dangling free (sorry, being infantry I don't know the fellows' numbers.)

[marine05]

I find it interesting that the fellow holding the rammer has it resting on the toe of his shoe. Wouldn't want to soil it, I reckon.
...and note the (relatively) thin belt on the lanyard-puller, and how about 10" (or so) of it is dangling free (sorry, being infantry I don't know the fellows' numbers.)

The rammer head is supposed to rest on the shoe/boot. Also the tube pouch is a once size fits all and the end on most I've seen including museum pictures were a little long, not like on a cartridge belt.

s/f

DJM