RARE 1898 MINNESOTA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY SOLDIER’S LARKING STAGED ACTION SCENE For Sale

ORIGINAL!RARE! 1898 MINNESOTA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY SOLDIER’S LARKING STAGED ACTION SCENE1898 MINNESOTA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY SOLDIER’S LARKING STAGED ACTION SCENEUp for sale is a highly unusual, historically rich, original Spanish-American War era cabinet cardphotograph measuring4 1/4" x 6 1/2".[ Unlike the stiff, formal studio portraits common to the late 19th century, this rare image captures a fantasticthree-man theatrical action pose(historically known as a "soldier's larking" photo). The scene depicts three comrades engaging in a mock combat scenario: one soldier aims a rifle directly at his friend, while a third soldier playfully lunges in with a rifle socket bayonet.]

Type: Photograph

Format: Cabinet Card (4 1/4" x 6 1/2")

Conflict: Spanish-American War (1898-1899)

Theme: Militaria, Soldier's "Larking" / Staged Action

Photographer: C.E. Larson (Christian Larson)

Location: Blue Earth City, Minnesota

Service Branch: U.S. Army / Minnesota Volunteer Infantry (14th/15th Regiments)

OriginalPeriod Print

Photographer & Minnesota Provenance:[ The front of the card features the distinct studio imprint of"C.E. Larson Blue Earth City, Minn."Research via the Minnesota Historical Society documents photographer Christian Larson operating out of this Faribault County location precisely during the1898–1899mobilization window. This directly links the subjects to the local boys who rushed to enlist inCompany K of the 14th MinnesotaorCompany D of the 15th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiments. Adding incredible genealogical value, the reverse features a mid-20th-century family notation in ballpoint pen identifying one of the men as"Uncle Chris."This points directly toward Private Christian N. Christensen (Christenson) of Company K, 14th MN Infantry, a Blue Earth native.]Militaria, Hardware & Weapon Details:

• The Belt & Hardware: One soldier is clearly outfitted in advanced Spanish-American War field gear, specifically theModel 1894 Mills & Orndorff Double Ammunition Belt(designed for the .30-40 Krag). The belt is secured by the iconic, solid bronzeU.S. Arsenal "H-pattern" belt plate, featuring the distinct top and bottom notches—a definitive hallmark of state-level National Guard and Volunteer units during the 1898 mobilization.
• The Civil War Rifle Prop: The weapon being wielded features a large, prominent side-hammer and a robust, fold-down military sight, with no cartridge trapdoor mechanism on the breech. This identifies the firearm as aCivil War-era Springfield muzzle-loading rifled musket(Model 1861/1863).Given that Minnesota volunteers were issued
  cartridge firearms for duty, this historic Civil War muzzleloader was undoubtedly a rugged studio prop provided by photographer C.E. Larson to heighten the theatrical, warlike nature of the photo.

Condition Report :[ This antique cabinet card photograph is over 125 years old and shows honest signs of age. The image focus is slightly soft, and the contrast shows the typical, uniform muted sepia tones of the era. The mount shows minor corner/edge wear consistent with age, handling, and storage. Please review all photos carefully to judge condition details for yourself.This is an exceptional cross-over piece for collectors ofSpanish-American War militaria, unique 19th-century photographic narratives, and Minnesota state military history.Shipping & Handling

• Ships securely in an archival-safe, acid-free protective sleeve.
• Packaged flat between rigid cardboard layers to prevent bending during transit.
• Tracking number provided immediately upon shipment.

(please see pictures).

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