Civil War regiments adopted dogs. Most Federal and Confederate infantry regiments traveled with at least one informal mascot — usually a dog, sometimes a goat, occasionally an eagle (the 8th Wisconsin's "Old Abe" became nationally famous). The dogs marched with the column, slept in the officers' tents at night, ate from the company kitchen, and were considered as much a part of the regiment as any soldier. Sallie, a brindle bull terrier carried by the 11th Pennsylvania since 1861, became one of the most famous regimental dogs of the war — she followed her regiment through Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and the Wilderness before being killed at Hatcher's Run in February 1865. The dog in this set represents that tradition of unofficial military family.

This W. Britain set depicts two seated Union officers in conversation — both in dark blue Federal officer's uniforms with light blue trousers, forage caps, and the wide leather officer's belts with brass plates. One wears a checkered shirt and holds a tin cup; the other holds his own cup. A tan dog lies between them. The set includes scenic accessories — two camp chairs, a wooden keg or barrel, and a small ammunition or supply box — to build out the camp scene. It works as a centerpiece for any Civil War officer's mess or headquarters camp diorama. Pair this set with Federal Company Officer with Pipe for a three-officer camp gathering; with Col. Henry A. Morrow as the regimental commander joining the conversation; or with Union Forever Marching Set for a camp-and-column scene.

Scale: 1/30 (60mm). Matte-painted metal. W. Britain model 31307. From the American Civil War range. Two seated officer figures, one dog, and four scenic accessories, supplied painted and ready for display.