Identify Military Uniform and Date Please

[jrfalk]

I was told this might be my 2nd great grandfather in his Danish Military uniform, but no one can confirm.  It looks very similar to some US Civil War uniforms, however the referred to person did not emigrate to the US until about 1872.  Does this fit the bill of a Danish military uniform sometime around 1860 to 1872?  Or is this a different uniform, and hence we've identified it as the wrong person?
Thanks for the help,
Justin

[PrueM]

Hi Justin

I can't help with the uniform, but the photograph type and the pose, backgrounds etc. point to an 1860s or possibly very early 1870s date.  More likely 1860s as this kind of plain backdrop would be quite out of date by the 1870s, although the later date can't be ruled out.

If you can show the entire photo, including the card it's mounted on, and the back as well if there's anything on it, it will help to pin down a date.

Cheers
Prue

[genechaser]

Hi

Take a look at this site, just scroll down  to the third picture. The man on the Left is wearing the same uniform, count the buttons (1855).

http://www.chakoten.dk/daninfuni200aar_e.html

[macintosh]

Even the cuff is identical on genechaser's thread.

James

[jrfalk]

Yes, it is an identical match.  You guys are great!  Thank you so much, seriously thanks.

  Since he was born in 1845 I'm guessing the photo was taken after he came to America as he looks a bit older here.  I don't think the photo would have stood up to the voyage to well either.  I wonder if he served in the Second Schleswig War (German-Danish War) in 1864.  Does anyone know if individuals records exist for this war?

-Justin

[macintosh]

His hat has the number 9 below a roundel, I am guessing this was the 9th Regiment who along with the 20th Regiment formed part of the 8th Brigade of the Danish Army at the Second Schleswig War, according to Wikipedia anyway.

I googled Danish 9th Regiment 1870.

James

[Radlad]

Don't know whether it helps at all but his sidearm is a Danish M67 bayonet officially adopted by the Danes in May 1867

[jrfalk]

@ Radlad, Would this rule out any service in the Second Schleswig War (German-Danish War) in 1864?

Was the military a mandatory thing for young men during this period or did they enlist voluntarily?  How long would one find themselves serving for?

Thanks,
Justin

[Radlad]

@ Radlad, Would this rule out any service in the Second Schleswig War (German-Danish War) in 1864?


Thanks,
Justin

It doesn't rule anything out. Just means the photo was taken after the bayonet was adopted. He may have served for years before that???