Description
Cornet bands were popular during the Civil War. The instrumentation consisted of varying types of brass instruments collectively referred to as cornets. The bands were usually supported by a snare and bass drum.
This nicely hand colored Carte de Visite depicts a musician in a Cornet band standing with his drum and drumsticks. The drum has “Cornet Band” painted on the side, which has been lightly tinted in yellow. The musician is dressed in a single-breasted frock coat with trousers colored blue. He has a drum sling around his neck, and a two-piece tongue and wreath plate on his belt. His buttons and belt plate have been lightly tinted in yellow. The verso of the CDV is marked “Carte de Visite from the Photograph Rooms of J. R. Laughlin, N.W. cor. Twelfth & Market Sts. Philadelphia. Sky-Light Second Story.” In period ink are the words “All, Shaw.” J. R. Laughlin was active in the 1860’s and 1870’s.
Images of Civil War drummers are uncommon and are very desirable to collectors. Adding to the appeal of this image are the band designation on the drum and the nice coloring.
