Sixth plate portrait ambrotype. N.p., ca. 1861. Housed in a dark brown leatherette half case (lacking lid).

A fierce portrait capturing a warlike volunteer private. Seated half-length facing forward with an intense, steady gaze, the soldier wears a distinctive uniform with trefoil ends to the braid suggesting a military cadet coat, very similar to those worn at the Citadel and VMI during the Civil War era. Buttons accented with touches of gold gilt paint. Slung across his chest from the left shoulder is a broad leather cartridge box sling.

The sitter's left hand tightly grasps a large fighting knife which appears to have a brass hilt with a bird's head shaped pommel, possibly a Sharp & Hamilton (Nashville) or Boyle & Gamble (Richmond). Long arm is not identifiable from the image, but may be a US Model 1841 Mississippi Rifle or possibly a South Carolina Palmetto rifle or musket. Belt appears to be a classic southern "roller buckle" belt, although the buckle is not visible.

The combination of the unique jacket, longarm, and oversized side knife captures the spirit of the conflict’s opening months, when Southern volunteers marched to the front heavily armed with personal blades and distinctive state or local uniform patterns. Double-armed wartime portraits are perennial highlights of Civil War photographic collections.

[Ambrotype, Sixth Plate, Civil War, Confederate, CSA, Militia, Armed Soldier, Musket, Longarm, Bowie Knife, Fighting Knife, Braided Jacket, Soutache, Gilt Buttons, Classical Column Mat, Cherub Mat, Half Case, Cased Image, 1860s Photography, Militaria]

Good condition overall. The ambrotype surface exhibits fine definition and sharp focal detail.