August Kappeler is wearing the Model 1902 uniform and chevrons, so the earliest date for this photo would be 1903. The chevrons changed in 1902 from the large downward pointing variety to what we see here; August is an infantry battalion sergeant major. The number of his infantry regiment on the collar insignia (crossed rifles) is hard to distinguish. On his chest he has an Expert Rifle badge (nearest his arm) and the other badge is not an official Army badge, but may be from a Spanish American War veterans organization.