Half plate full-length studio portrait tintype. St. Louis, Missouri: Mansfield's City Gallery, c. 1861. Full leatherette case. Photographer's imprint to image verso. 

This unknown soldier from the 1st Missouri Infantry was pictured in a full-standing pose with his right hand resting on the back of a studio chair. His rifle, which appears to be an M1855 Springfield Rifle with Maynard Priming system, rests against that same chair with its butt end on the floor; his forage cap hangs from the barrel.

Of note is the large "fork tongue" buckle worn on his belt. This distinctive buckle, constructed from brass, was widely produced during the Civil War in various sizes and with minor variances in form. This buckle, also referred to as a "wishbone," is often seen in Confederate photography and is highly desirable to collectors. 

Excitingly, this tintype has the photography studio's label, placing it in St. Louis. The 1st Missouri Infantry was formed in August of 1861 and contained many men from St. Louis. It is likely that this photo was made very near to that time, since it would have been near impossible for a uniformed Rebel soldier to stroll into a photographic establishment in that city as the Civil War progressed. 

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