Ninth-plate studio portrait ambrotype. N.p., 1862. Affixed to the lower interior corner of the velvet pad is a period paper label inscribed "1862". Housed in a full embossed dark leatherette case.

A poignant and patriotic Civil War–era portrait capturing a young, bearded civilian displaying his steadfast allegiance to the Union. Captured half-length facing forward, the sitter is attired in a tailored, light-toned tweed or wool sack coat over a matching patterned waistcoat, crisp white shirt, and narrow dark bow tie. Tucked prominently into his right breast pocket or pinned to his lapel is a miniature silk or printed paper American flag ribbon cockade, held at an angle to display its canton and stripes clearly to the camera.

During the critical, fraught second year of the conflict, patriotic ribbons, badges, and miniature flags were widely worn by Union loyalists, volunteers awaiting muster, and homefront supporters as open manifestations of national solidarity. Dated wartime civilian portraits bearing genuine patriotic ephempera are far less common than their military counterparts and remain highly desirable.

[Ambrotype, Ninth Plate, Civil War, Union, Homefront, Patriotic, American Flag, Cockade, Ribbon, 1862, Dated, Sack Coat, Waistcoat, Beard, Cased Image, 19th Century Photography, Americana, Militaria]

Very good condition. The plate exhibits sharp definition and strong tones; the surface is nearly flawless.