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Quarter Plate Ambrotype of Soldier with Company Gu

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Quarter Plate Ambrotype of Soldier with Company Guidon. Ostensibly an unknown cavalryman presenting a regulation US Cavalry swallow-tail guidon employed by mounted companies to differentiate themselves on the field. The tinted guidon, properly without cords or tassels, displays US in reverse over a stylized company letter "I" or possibly "F." In all respects, size, shape, and design the red and white flag matches the regulations first established for cavalry in 1835 and updated without changes in 1841, 1857, and 1861. The 1862 Regulations altered the design, calling for the swallow tail to look "like the United States flag, with stars and stripes." As a company banner the guidon carried no regimental number so it is impossible to determine the parent regular or volunteer unit. No identification on the soldier who, paradoxically, appears to be uniformed in an infantry sack coat with indistinct chevron and unusually long skirt.
In dilapidated half case with mat. Image VG.

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