Whut Izzit?
- Thread starter hso
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MCFLYFYTER
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- Aug 27, 2011
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That knife looks sketchy to me, but gotta have a backup for the trapdoor. What's the question?
mcb
Member
US Model 1873 Springfield Trapdoor Carbine
MCFLYFYTER
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The hammer does look strange though
GBExpat
Member
I sure hope that young fella got a sheath for his knife before he inadvertently sliced thru something important. 
cslinger
Member
It’s a picture of a cowboy. What do I win?
MCFLYFYTER
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I feel like it's a city boy dressed as a cowboy
climbnjump
Member
Well, I don't know anything about pictures from that time period, so my impressions are probably all wrong.
But it looks like a "dress up" photo. Neither the knife nor the cross draw pistol make any sense on a dude wearing riding boots.
But it looks like a "dress up" photo. Neither the knife nor the cross draw pistol make any sense on a dude wearing riding boots.
Paul R Zartman
Contributing Member
Daddy!!!, I miss you...
Bruce D Pease
Member
May nap the revolver is set up for a strong side cavalry draw. In which case riding boots might be in order. Knife is still sketchy though set up for an oops!
OP
OP
Sorry, I meant to specify what the carbine was. Thanks for all the help.
AlexanderA
Member
That photo has anachronisms galore. The knife is an M1849 Ames Rifleman's Knife, while the cartridge belt, revolver, and holster appear to be of Spanish-American War vintage. The Trapdoor carbine looks as though it's from the 1870's. I would say all these items were photographer's props. Especially the knife. It has no relation to the other items.
OP
OP
That's what I'm thinking since he has no creases around his eyes, he'd have a sheath for that sticker and there aren't any cartridges in the ammunition belt, and the boots look too good. Also, that 's a lot of hardware for a real cowboy.
Jim Watson
Member
Even the hat - with brim turned up to show his face - and the boots - over good trousers - might be studio props.
AlexanderA
Member
Speaking of the M1849 Rifleman's Knife, that has to be one of the worst edged weapons ever issued to the U.S.military. I have a reproduction, and it's so big and awkward it's ridiculous. I suppose this was in response to complaints during the Mexican War that the M1841 "Mississippi" Rifle didn't have a bayonet. So they issued this knife as a stopgap until a bayonet adapter could be devised. But it's completely useless. Maybe that's why originals are so rare today.
mokin
Member
What do you know about that picture? I compared it with the image in my avatar. In my avatar, it appears I am shooting a left handed No1 Mk III. We all know such a critter never existed. The picture in my avatar was taken with a glass plate camera and developed using tin type technology of the same period.
Given the information about the "props" in the picture you posted, at least the original picture would have been taken with the same technology. In your picture, nothing appears backwards.
Things don't add up....
Given the information about the "props" in the picture you posted, at least the original picture would have been taken with the same technology. In your picture, nothing appears backwards.
Things don't add up....
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
Trapdoors were still in use by National Guard troops in the Spanish American War, only the regular Army got Krags as they were in short supply.
Although it could be a modern reproduction, photos like this were common pre-1900 for soldiers getting ready to go into battle. IMO, its a legit pictures of a Guardsman about to ship out for Cuba, c.1898.
AlexanderA
Member
The more I think about it, I tend to agree. It's a studio portrait of a Spanish-American War era Guardsman or Volunteer. The main thing that was throwing us off was the Ames Rifleman's Knife thrust through the belt.
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