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ABSOLUTE GEM ¼ PLATE TINTYPE OF SMILING CIVIL WAR SOLDIER

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Rarely does an original photo convey the enthusiasm shown by this United States serviceman.

This gentleman is standing playfully with his hands tucked between his suspender tabs and into the top of his Federal issue light blue trousers to offer us clues as to his service experience:

A double-breasted mounted services greatcoat with folded collar, either a vest or a short or “shell” service jacket that appears to be untrimmed, a civilian pattern or field altered m1858 Dress Hat, a privately purchased or gifted plaid shirt, and a pair of boots in good, but used, condition.

The background of the photo is a period patriotic camp scene on fabric showing guard, cannon, Sibley tents, A-frame tents, hills, and adjacent camps.  The soldier stands on a carpet, with the base of the stabilizing brace visible behind his feet.

The most striking feature of this photograph is the expression on the soldier’s face.  Given the lengthy exposure time of period photography, among other cultural considerations, a somber expression is found in most Civil War images. This man clearly made it a point to show his joy, with a slight blur around his mouth, suggesting possible difficulty holding his smile or a last-minute decision to be jovial.

The photo case measures 5” x 4” and is in excellent condition, with virtually no damage and very minimal handling wear.  The relief on the front of the gutta perch case features a popular period scene of General Marion’s invitation to an enemy officer to join him for dinner – a scene scarcely seen on remaining cases today.  Two brass hinges join each half, while two flat, brass clasps hold the case securely closed. The velvet lining of the case is in pristine condition with no wear, a wine-colored hue, and a symmetrical floral spray pattern.  The frame of the photo is stamped and gilded, featuring geometrical designs and a salmon-colored liner.

This remarkably human view of such a dark event is sure to be the focal point of any Civil War History collection, showing a young man full of pride in his service to his country despite the coming, or lingering, trauma of the war.  [cm][ph:L]

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