Life is a stage for these federals. The soldier on the right demonstrates the use of a small tin drum canteen with an outer convex face. With bent knees and a hand jauntily placed on his hip, he appears ready to dance a jig. His comrade seems unaffected by his partner’s antics. He is identified on the back as Chas. Josh. Folsom. This may be Sgt. Charles J. Folsom, who served in Company I of the 132nd Ohio Infantry. “The unusual content reveals another side of the war—some lightheartedness in passing time between skirmishes,” Cranford observes.

Quarter-plate tintype by an anonymous photographer. Matt Cranford collection.

A clean-shaven young infantryman is equipped with all the trappings of war. He holds a Model 1816 conversion musket with fixed bayonet in one hand, and grips a single shot percussion pistol in the other. A regulation rubberized canvas backpack with russet leather straps and bedroll is strapped to his back, and hanging from his neck is a black-painted leather haversack and drum canteen. “What’s really striking is the backdrop: A very subtle, low-lying landscape that makes the soldier appear as if he’s marching in high country,” owner Matt Cranford declares. Sixth-plate ruby glass ambrotype by an anonymous photographer.

A Union cavalryman holds the bridle of a horse, upon which a lady is seated sidesaddle. Dirt roads leading to a building with a cupola and another structure are visible in the background. The trees are covered in leaves, which suggests this photograph was taken in the summer. Carte de visite by unidentified photographer, about 1862-1864.

Standing fourth from the left, Edward E. Hammond Sturtevant served in the Fourth Massachusetts Infantry and the Third Massachusetts Cavalry before joining the 147th Illinois Infantry, with with regiment he ended his war service. Carte de visite by unidentified photographer.

A youthful warrior displays his cavalry sword and M1860 Colt revolver. The intensity of his gaze and prominence of his weapons underscores his commitment to the Union and willingness to fight, and creates a stark contrast with his boyish innocence suggested by the soft curves of his face. He wears a Hardee hat with crossed sabers of the cavalry, and a star insignia that may indicate his allegiance to the Twelfth/Twentieth Corps. Collector and owner Rick Brown observes that the weapons “wonderfully frame the sitter’s face, and since they are held close to the camera it makes his diminutive size even more dynamic.” This sixth plate tintype was made by an anonymous photographer.

Six troopers pose with their sabers for the camera operator. Visible on the vests of five of the six men are star-shaped badges, which may indicate that they belonged to the Union Twelfth or Twentieth Corps. The individual standing on the left wears the stripes of a sergeant, making him the highest-ranking member of the group.

An unknown officer wears a flower inserted into the band of his forage cap.

Columbia, or Lady Liberty, sits atop a podium trimmed with material on which is painted or sewn stars and an eagle with wings outstretched. She holds above her head a liberty cap hung from a pole, the traditional symbol of freedom that dates before Roman times. She also holds the shield of the United States, which represents defense, military strength and nationalism. Lady Liberty is flanked by representatives of the Union army and navy. Each holds a staff trimmed with ribbon, to which is attached the Star-Spangled Banner. The flags are crossed to provide a backdrop for Columbia, who they have pledged to defend.