Vintage Civil War Union Soldier Wood Carving by Jack Threlkeld

Santa Fe, New Mexico, artist Jack Threlkeld carved this tall, lanky soldier he named "Old Sarge" from a solid block of redwood. Standing 16 inches tall, measuring 4 inches across the shoulders and weighing about one pound, he's wearing a Union army uniform with three yellow stripes on the sleeves and a yellow stripe on each pant leg.

His jacket has a double row of buttons (actually cut nailheads) and a wide belt with a US belt buckle and a holstered gun on his right hip. His outfit is topped with a cavalry scarf and a forage cap that bears the crossed sabers insignia with the letter A for the company and number 7 for the regiment. The soldier's craggy face is sunburned and he stares out under heavy brows with slitted eyes. The bottoms of his black boots are incised with the words "OLD SARGE" on the right foot and "JACK THRELKELD SANTA FE" on the left.

There are fine cracks in the boots that indicate that the front of each has been broken off and firmly reattached. This hasn't affected its ability to stand upright. The cracks do not "jump out" but rather blend in with the marks of the gouge the artist used, unless you look closely. Otherwise in very good condition, with no other cracks or chips, this figure exhibits Jack Threlkeld's talent (he also paints) and his subtle sense of humor.

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