Posted 11 years ago
scottvez
(977 items)
I love this type of image that shows arms and equipment being used well beyond the development of newer weapons systems.
These three US soldiers are all holding Springfield Trapdoor Rifles. The one on the left looks to have the Buffington rear sight, so these are probably all M1884s.
Additionally, the two soldiers on the left have chest badges, so they may be Military Police.
There is no identification on these soldiers or their unit.
Reproduction of these images in any form is prohibited.
scott
With no collar brass and badges wonder if they could be state guard or prison guards? Interesting photo.
Could be militarist-- thanks for looking and commenting.
scott
Thanks tony and vetraio.
scott
thanks buss.
scott
Thanks p....
scott
The lack of collar discs - or any other insignia besides the badges - caught my attention too. I notice the hat cords are a light and dark color, twisted, with light color acorns. That may be a clue.
The collars on the uniforms looked pre-WWI, so I did a bit of research, and I think these might be the 1907 jackets which were phased out well before WWI. That brings the photo closer to the issue period for the Trapdoor Springfield, although as you know, it would still be obsolete in the Regular Army.
As to being MPs, I learned the Army didn’t have a trained Military Police Corps until much later. The little bit of reading I’ve done tonight indicates that military posts and regiments simply detailed men to perform policing duties, and if there was any insignia, it was usually a brassard
Oh yea, good one
Thanks chris-- I suspected that they may have been earlier than WW1. My knowledge of these early 20th century uniforms is not where it should be!
I will update the title.
scott
Very interesting image!
Thanks Scott. I love images that send me back to my reference books.
Thanks for looking tlmbaran.
scott