This exceptionally clear sixth plate tintype shows a seated corporal from the knees up. He has put on a tie for his visit to the photographer’s studio and wears his enlisted frock coat open and fashionably fastened with just the top button at the top. The photographer has not colored his buttons or uniform. The cuff and collar piping of his coat is visible, as are a very distinct pair of corporal’s chevrons above his elbow. Gauging colors in black and white images is a bit tough, but the odds are very much in favor him being an infantry corporal, and perhaps a new one as well, since he stripes seem to have been sewn on his sleeve rather rapidly, with raw ends showing. He has a great look, with tousled hair, but a clenched jaw to keep still for the camera. On his knee and prominently displayed for the camera and the folks back home is an issue dress or Hardee hat, with the brim on the far side turned up and the regulation ostrich feather plume visible to the camera. No insignia or hat cord is visible, but the narrow ribbon running around the base of the crown on these issue hats is visible, as is the unbound edge. Interestingly, he has affected somewhat the air of a veteran by also punching in the flat crown of the hat, to make it something closer to a slouch hat, but retained the upturned brim and plume, expressing a bit of style.

The image shows some wear marks on the left, but is remarkably clear and well focused throughout. It is glassed, matted and framed. It is housed in an earlier thermoplastic figural union case that shows nesting doves. The case has condition problems: chipping, wear, a crack, etc., but serves well to protect the image for the time being. The red-faded-orange facing cushion with embossed floral motifs is present.

This is very nice image of a Union infantry corporal showing some character.  [sr]

Note: The tiny white spots, brought out by flash photography, are not visible to the naked eye on either the glass in the case or on the tintype itself.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!