Comments on: Photo of a Fire Zouave?

By: Harry Smeltzer

Harry Smeltzer — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 16:11:58 +0000

Thanks Michael!

By: Michael J. McAfee

Michael J. McAfee — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 15:08:30 +0000

I happened upon this question and in my opinion he is just a fireman – no slight intended – in fairly standard garb for the pre-Civil War. there are descriptions in 1861 of fire companies turning out in red shierts, balck pants and glazed caps before they received military uniforms. This is much more likely to be an occupational photograph than a military one. MJM.

By: Bill Carr

Bill Carr — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:20:08 +0000

Dear Mr. Fried:

Michael J. McAfee still works at the West Point Museum, or at least he did last year, and you could try witting him there. I am not sure of his current title there. Micheal McAfee is a member of the Company of Military Historians I do not believe he monitors the company’s web site. Try posting the photograph on web sites dedicated to this type of thing. The Company of Military Historians is one you might want to post it on.Anthony Gero is very knowledgeable on New York uniforms of the Civil War. I

Almost all firemen from this period wore uniforms. I see nothing in the photograph to make me think this is a militia uniform. There is no equipment, ammunition pouch, canteen, etc. that would identify the photograph as being military. That type of belt was common for firemen and I believe the horn is in fact a fire hose nozzle. Firemen of this period often wore fire helmets, but kepis were common for fatigue duties and such. Some fore companies ware oilcloth covered kepis instead of fire hats. Is the photograph from New York?

I am from Michiagn, and some of the fire companies in Michigan, functioned as home guard companies during the Civil War. If the shirt was double-breast instead of triple-breasted it would nearly match a known Detroit fire company. I am sure other states had similar uniforms.

Bill Carr

By: Harry Smeltzer

Harry Smeltzer — Thu, 21 May 2009 23:10:24 +0000

Tom,

No, I don’t know Mr. McAfee or have his email address. Hope he can help.

I can’t help but notice this guy’s belt buckle. Strangely plain, it almost looks like it’s been altered in the photo.

By: Tom Clemens

Tom Clemens — Thu, 21 May 2009 21:52:14 +0000

Oh but for 1/2 hour of Brian Pohanka!
It is clear he guy was a fireman, and that he was wearing a Civil War era militia-style uniform (Union most likely). Does that make him an 11th NY Fire Zouave? Maybe. I think Mike McAfee is the best judge of this, but I will also refer it to a few others. If you don’t have McAfee’s address I will try to find it.