HELP with information or identification on old US Cavalry Solider Charcoal Portrait

[josephbjr]

The other day i had stumbled upon a beat up charcoal portrait of an old soldier, actually it was in a dumpster in Iredell County, NC. I saved it and cleaned it up & I see a Company H infantry insignia (not cavalry) & He's in his dress uniform as well. But I don't know much more. I'm very interested in learning who this old veteran is, his name, and how old the sketch is, date, ext. I would extremely appreciate a well knowledge insight on. Luckily I found this just in time before the water damage ruined the artwork. When i took it out of the frame I noticed many different pieces of writing on the back but no matter how much i researched I couldn't figure out anything on what the signings could signify. At the very top i see the numbers.. "7 19 32" I was thinking it might be the date? Anyways, below those numbers looks like "Mc Laim" & Below that i see *45 = 6ak" Maybe? But that doesn't make any sense to me. Lastly, theirs the much larger writing in the middle, I see... "McK" Seems like that could be the artists initials? But thats just my best guesses. I've attached photos of all the signings on the back, and up close pictures of the insignias. If more photos, or seeing the frame that i found it in would help, I will be glad to post. Id enjoy the most to put a name to this old solider, & I would like to learn what the other insignias on his uniform represent if anyone knows. I've researched and researched for hours and hours and I can't figure this out. Any information or opinion would be appreciated.












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[DCMatt]

Does the collar badge configuration make this guy an officer?


There were two officers named McLain in the 26th Infantry who served in France in WWI:


McLain, Ralph E. 2nd Lt.—1st Lt.


McLain, Ernest J. 2nd Lt.


I didn't find a Company affiliation for either of them.

 

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[tamrock]

The hairline is what first hit me as 'not the guy', but that could be from alterations of the older photo. Looking at the ears and divot of the nose of both I now wonder if the two photos are of the same fella.

 

[nhbenz]

Does the collar badge configuration make this guy an officer?

If it were post 1910 when round enlisted collar disks came into use, the I would have said "yes", but as seen in the example huntsman posted it appears to be correct for an enlisted man's uniform at the time. (the one in the link is artillery of course, but otherwise the same).

 

[DCMatt]

The hairline is what first hit me as 'not the guy', but that could be from alterations of the older photo. Looking at the ears and divot of the nose of both I now wonder if the two photos are of the same fella.

Uniform pic the head is tilted back. Later pic the hair is tilted forward. Also the military hair cut could have removed the "whispies" from the receeding hairline.


Also of note - Letarte was 28 years old when he entered the army. Certainly old enough to have a receeding hairline. Albert had a brother who served in WWI (I don't know the regiment number).


I don't think he's our guy, but the match was close enough to post for additional opinions.

 

[DCMatt]

Enlisted collar - 26th Infantry WWI

(The 102 was part of the 26th Division)

 

[DCMatt]

Officer collar WWI

 

[DCMatt]

"Albert had a brother who served in WWI (I don't know the regiment number)."


Actually two brothers. They were all in the 26th.


I looked at the brothers pics... Not even close...


They were enlisted as well. Our picture guy is not a Letarte.


I can't find any additional info on the McLain officers.

 

[DCMatt]

Can someone clarify for me...?


The 26 on this officers badge - Does it indicate a regiment or division?


I've been looking at the 26th Division (aka Yankee Division) but all the collar badges show 102, 103... I have yet to see one with a 26 on it.


I'm thinking that I'm looking in the wrong place.


Should I be looking at the 1st Division, 26th regiment, Co. H?

 

[nhbenz]

No one named McLain received a Distinguished Marksman badge until 1930, and he was USN.
https://ct.thecmp.org/app/v1/index.php?do=reportDistinguishedShootersByCriteria
Only about 300 were awarded 1903-1909, the date range of the uniform, given its pre-1910 collar insignia.

 

[NOLA_Ken]

All I can add right now is that the Army stopped using that marksman badge in 1921 when they switched to the current style, interesting piece though and I'll see if I can add anything else....

It looks like 26th Infantry Regiment, Co H to me, which was activated in 1901, so my thought is the picture will date between 1902 when the that uniform was first issued to 1917 when the unit was sent to France.


It's a shame this one didn't get colorized, if only we knew the color of his Aguilette that could help narrow things down, but without a name it will be pretty difficult