Banjos in Civil War Field Photographry
Added 2018-04-03 12:01:00 +0000 UTCHere are a few images I've gathered that are unusual in the sense that they portray banjo players "in the field" rather than a typical studio setting. Check out that wild neck profile on the banjo pictured above ^ for starters!
United States Army camp, 1861-65, unknown location.
United States Army camp, probably in northern Virginia 1864-65.
Confederate troops at Pensacola, Florida 1861-62.
Comments
I had another comment here that made a certain point. A mid 19th century photograph like this was not casual. You had to hold still for a while for it not to be a blurr. People customarily got important objects to be in such photographs. And the photographer had to conscious select his subject matter. In all the photos particularly the boat and the federal minstrel troupe. someone decided to include the banjo in the photograph, probably went and got the banjos from where it was or decided to have the minstrel troupe photographed.
Tony Thomas
2018-04-05 03:30:39 +0000 UTCMy understanding is that there's a rather broad grey area during the transition from craftsman-made banjos (i.e. made by privately-commissioned carpenters and wood turners) into truly "factory-made" banjos produced at a drum or guitar factory for commercial sale.
Clifton Hicks
2018-04-03 15:53:53 +0000 UTCI have not seen these photos before in any books. It would be interesting to know how much a factory-made banjo cost in the 1860's. The music must have been very lively since there are "bones" players along with tambourines. Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos.
Robert T. Gibney
2018-04-03 15:27:49 +0000 UTCForgot to add it is significant how many of these banjos are factory made store bought banjos which gives you an idea of the extent of the banjo making industry was then.
Tony Thomas
2018-04-03 13:27:59 +0000 UTC
