SEATED VIRGINIA ENLISTED MAN, EX-TURNER COLLECTION

$1,500.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1138-1937

This is a ninth-plate ambrotype in figural thermoplastic case with mat, frame and glass in place, but missing the facing pad. It comes from the collection of the late Bill Turner, noted Virginia collector and dealers. Bill acquired many of his images directly from families and labeled this simply as a Virginia private, indicating he had no further information. The photo was taken against a plain backdrop and shows a young soldier seated, from the knees up. He is young, cleanshaven and in the conventional seated pose, resting one arm on cloth covered table beside him. He wears a gray frock coat with shoulder straps and his cap rests on the table beside him in the crook of his arm. The cap is a kepi in form, with inset crown, and has a single numeral or letter fixed to the front. His brass buttons are domed and not as clear as we would like, but very much appear to be Virginia buttons. (We have also ruled out some early war northern gray uniforms by the combination of state buttons, frock coat rather than jacket, and shoulder straps.) It might be possible to identify the unit by the uniform, but there would be a lot to choose from. Virginia attempted in 1858 to regulate the uniforms of newly organized militia units with U.S. patterns as the model, but in 1860 renewed the option to have individual uniforms by company even for new units.

The image is clear and the photographer restrained himself from improving it except by the addition of some thin red tinting to the young man’s cheeks. We see only two small spots- one on his chest at left and one on his upper arm at right. The gilt brass mat has a couple of dark spots. The case lacks the facing pad. The lush geometric and floral motifs on the front and back covers of the case are very good with some minor roughness to the edges.

This is a very good example of the images left behind mementos to families by young soldiers as they headed off to war. [sr] [ph:L]

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

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

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!

Inquire About SEATED VIRGINIA ENLISTED MAN, EX-TURNER COLLECTION

For inquiries, please email us at [email protected]

featured item

CIVIL WAR COMMERCIAL FORAGE CAP WITH MAINE BUTTONS AND ASSOCIATED INSIGNIA

Commercial caps were simply those purchased privately rather the issued by the government. They might more or less closely follow contract patterns with the purchaser able to suit his taste and wallet, though an enlisted man, seeking something nicer… (1052-139). Learn More »

Upcoming Events

28
Mar

April 13-14: Spring Gettysburg Military Antiques Show Learn More »

Instagram