Post-War.

Look at the battle flag. It is a Confederate Battle Flag. The vexillologist in the message board can give you more of the specifications but the battle flag with the St Andrew's Cross would not become widely used in the best until the winter of 1864. Until this time, a huge variety of flags were used. It also appears that this flag has seen considerable wear.

Where are the accouterments and other kit? Weapons are of little use without cartridge and cap boxes and where are the frogs for the bayonets?

Would a home guard actually had a uniform? Who would have provided the funds to do so? The money has to come from somewhere and I don't believe the state of Georgia budgeted for such things.

Questions to ask about the actual photograph. Is the original photo an Ambrotype (positive image on glass), a Ferrotype or Tintype (positive image on metal), daguerreotype (negative image on polished metal)? Unless I am incorrect, a cartes de visite was the only "paper" photography and it was on a thick card stock and was approximately 2 1/2 inches by 4 inches in size.

What type of markings are on the reverse of the photograph?

I hope this helps.

Respectfully,

Gerald D. Hodge, Jr.
War Between the States Historian
M.A. Military History - Civil War Concentration
Historian: 39th Georgia Volunteer Infantry Regiment