A Union sergeant from Iowa is portrayed in this albumen-print CDV, almost certainly produced during the Civil War years of 1861 to 1865. The image is mounted on a plain card stock with no photographer's imprint on the reverse, suggesting a field or small-town studio sitting. The identification, though faint, is inscribed on the back in period hand.

The soldier wears a regulation four-button sack coat with sergeant's chevrons and a diamond-shaped service marker clearly visible on the left sleeve. A forage cap sits tilted slightly back on his head, and a light-colored shirt collar shows at the throat. His hands are clasped at his waist, and his direct, composed gaze confronts the camera with quiet authority.

Iowa furnished more than 75,000 men to the Union cause across 48 infantry regiments, 9 cavalry regiments, and 4 artillery batteries, and sergeants were the critical non-commissioned backbone of those units. The rank insignia and uniform details are fully consistent with Iowa volunteer infantry dress of the period.

A faint pencil inscription in an early hand is present at the lower reverse of the mount, partially legible as a name.

From the collection of James Lee Soffer