Hunters at Rest: Companions with Their Dogs in the Field
Description
This outdoor cabinet photograph shows two hunters seated in a quiet woodland clearing, each with a dog positioned close at hand. Their attire reflects the working clothing of rural sportsmen in the late 19th century: soft caps, sturdy jackets, and tall protective gaiters. Both men hold their pinfire shotguns upright in a relaxed position, suggesting a pause between drives or a moment of conversation. The hunter on the right wears a belt containing several pinfire cartridges, their distinctive projecting pins clearly visible. This small detail adds authenticity to the scene by showing the gear used in the field exactly as it was carried.
The dogs, one a pointer type and the other resembling a spaniel, contribute to the practical narrative of the image, each sitting with an air of calm readiness. The filtered light through the trees and the informal setting give the photograph a straightforward, documentary character, capturing a moment of rest shared by hunters and their companions.
Significance
The photograph offers a clear visual record of pinfire cartridges worn in a field-ready belt, an uncommon detail in period images. This enhances its value as evidence of practical hunting equipment and everyday pinfire use among rural sportsmen.
