1908 "Artillery & Musician Infantry Uniforms" Chromolithograph by H. A. Ogden

This colorful lithograph by H. A. Ogden was published in 1908 by Brigadier General J. B. Allshire. Originally published as a comprehensive series of U. S. military uniforms, this print showcases five different uniforms from the years 1902 to 1907 with six figures total. This specific print is designed to show the uniforms of non-commissioned officers and staff corps. From left to right, the dress is of the 1st Sergeant Coast Artillery, Musician Infantry, Regimental Sergeant Major Infantry, Private Signal Corps, Corporal Engineers, and Private Signal Corps. These positions are written with identifying figures in the bottom margin along with the stated publishing information.

Non-commissioned officers are enlisted military officers that have obtained their position through promotion rather than commission. Many officers receive commissions directly out of a military academy and immediately become officers based on education. On the contrary, on-commissioned officers began as enlisted military personnel.

The artist, Henry Alexander Ogden, was an American Illustrator with a passion for early American history. That passion led Ogden to embark on the largest project of his career. He set out to record and illustrate all of the U.S. military uniforms from 1890 to 1907. Not long after Ogden began, the Quartermaster General of the Army approached him and requested he expand his project to include all uniforms since the founding of the nation. Ogden agreed and eventually published all of his popular illustrations in multiple sections. Each print always featured five different ranks, and therefore five different uniforms. This print is no exception.

CONDITION:

Overall very good condition. The lithograph’s colors are vibrant and there is no evidence of discoloration. No creases are visible and the print has no loss or tears. Neatly framed, the print is housed according to archival standards including non-acidic mats and UV protective glass.

Framed Dimensions: 22 1/2" H x 19 1/4" W x 1 1/4" D