This Union Infantryman Is Wearing His U.S. Belt Buckle Upside Down. Why?

This pipe-smoking federal soldier is posed with his gloved hands gripping a musket. It's a classic portrait of a volunteer Civil War soldier. But look closer and you'll notice his belt buckle embossed with the U.S. is upside down. Was this intentional? Perhaps anti-government sentiment? Maybe a pro-Confederate statement? Here's the probable cause.

"Life on the Civil War Research Trail" is hosted by Ronald S. Coddington, Editor and Publisher of Military Images magazine. Learn more about our mission to showcase, interpret and preserve Civil War portrait photography at militaryimagesmagazine.com and shopmilitaryimages.com.

This episode is brought to you in part by Fort Donelson Relics. Visit fortdonelsonrelics.com to explore historic militaria.

Image: Terry Banks Collection.

Special thanks to Phil Spaugy for the musket identification.

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