CDV of Union Artilleryman with Finger-Stall

Here is an original CDV of a Union cannoneer. Artillery guns in the Civil War were manned by a 10 person crew. Each crew member was numbered save for the gunner. This soldier was the “number 3” man. We know this because it was the number 3 man’s job to plug the vent at the top of the cannon barrel while the piece was being swabbed. This was to prevent any accidental discharges from happening. A very important job considering the only casualties during the Battle of Fort Sumter (1861) were caused by such an accidental discharge. He was very proud of his position, as we can see him wearing his finger-stall which would have been used to protect his finger when plugging the vent. Awesome shoulder scales to boot! Great piece for any artillery fan!