Sixth plate studio tintype housed in a full leatherette case. N.p., ca. 1861–1865.

A seated half-length portrait of a young Confederate soldier in a gray wool shell jacket lacking cuff trim, possibly a Columbus Depot jacket, and dark trousers. The distinctive feature of the image is what appears to be a custom modification to the center front of his coat: a dedicated sewn slot to hold his toothbrush, with the head clearly visible and ready for use.

While bone toothbrushes are documented camp personal effects, photographic evidence of a soldier having his jacket tailored specifically to keep one accessible on his chest is an exceptionally scarce and unusual detail.

[Civil War, Confederate, CSA, Private, Tintype, Sixth Plate, Shell Jacket, Uniform Alteration, Toothbrush, Hygiene, Camp Life, 1860s]

Good condition. The image displays average contrast and focus throughout. The plate surface is clean, with minor scattered surface wear localized to the edges of the scalloped brass mat.