Description

This sixth plate tintype has exceptional content.  The soldier is posed presenting his rifle, which is a very rare Dresden.  He is dressed in a five button blouse with staff buttons, three of which are visible.  A cap box and bayonet scabbard are attached to his belt.  The US belt plate can clearly be seen, as it is not gilded.  He has a narrow leather strap over his shoulder which supports the cartridge box, which is not visible.  Tucked into his belt is a nicely displayed Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver.

The Dresden rifle is a rifled musket introduced by the German Kingdom of Saxony.  It has a French style back action lock and a distinctive double-strapped middle barrel band which are both quite visible in the image.  Some were produced in Saxony, but the majority were made in Liege Belgium.  The Union procured around 29000.  US Ordnance records show that these guns were issued to the 44th & 55th Illinois, 9th Iowa, 22nd & 30th Wisconsin and the 56th Ohio infantry.   I am told by a most knowledgeable collector that the soldier is from Wisconsin based on the blouse, thin shoulder strap and Dresden rifle.

The image is in very nice condition with no bends or creases.  It is housed in a leatherette case with repaired spine.  If you collect images with rare or unusual weapons, you should seriously consider this one.  It might be your only chance to acquire an image with a Dresden rifle.