This half-plate ambrotype is mounted in a nice thermoplastic wall frame with raised floral motifs at the corners and preserves its gilt brass oval mat and inner frame. There are some long rubs at left, two or three of which cross the figure and a long vertical crack showing no losses, but dividing the plate. The subject, however, is strong enough to balance those faults: a three-quarter length standing view of a forceful and determined-looking Confederate artillery officer wearing a CS regulation officer’s double-breasted frock coat with officer’s gold braid sleeve knots or “galoons” indicating his rank and a kepi the photographer has tinted red to make clear his branch of service, along with a thin red line showing along the lower portion of his coat lapel, indicating it was piped with his branch of service color as well.

The photographer very lightly gilded his buttons and sleeve braid, and has thinly tinted his cheeks, which tends to emphasize his large eyes, and perhaps adds some youth to his face, though his beard is clearly turning gray. The sleeve braid was adopted from Austrian army fashion. He seems to have two strands, which would indicate a captain, not unlikely from his maturity. Collar insignia would be regulation as well, though his beard hides anything there.

We do not have an identification of the officer, but this comes from the collection of well collector and dealer Bill Turner and likely has a Virginia connection. Some research among known artillery officers might identify him. If nothing else, his likely age would narrow the search considerably. This would be a stand-out image in a Confederate artillery display.   [sr] [ph:m]

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