Sixth plate studio portrait ambrotype. N.p., ca. 1861–1862. Housed in a leatherette case.

A seated half-length portrait capturing a resolute, clean-shaven young Confederate volunteer posed facing directly forward with an unyielding gaze. Defying the standard expectation of a regulation gray uniform, the soldier sits attired in complete civilian garb: a dark coat over a matching waistcoat, crisp white shirt with wide-winged collar, dark bow tie, and lighter-colored trousers. In his right hand, he displays a small round barrel revolver held cocked across his chest, likely a Bacon pocket or similar "off brand" make from a smaller maker. In his left hand firmly grips the broad guard and hilt of a formidable D-guard Bowie knife resting upright in his lap. The large and almost exaggerated choil on this knife is nearly identical to those knives attributed to Sharp & Hamilton of Nashville, often better known as Nashville Plow Works. The hilt appears made of brass, with a profile nearly identical to a knife shown on page 136 of Confederate Bowie Knives by Melton, Phillips & Sexton. 

During the initial mobilization of 1861, tens of thousands of Southern volunteers entered service in their civilian clothing, bringing along personal or blacksmith-made sidearms while awaiting government-issued accoutrements and uniforms that often never arrived. Portraits capturing early recruits bristling with weaponry in civilian dress provide an authentic, unvarnished look at the amateur volunteers who formed the nucleus of the Confederate Army.

[Ambrotype, Sixth Plate, Civil War, Confederate, CSA, Armed, Revolver, Pistol, D-Guard, Bowie Knife, Sidearm, Baldric, Civilian Attire, Homespun, Volunteer, Cased Image, 1860s Photography, Militaria]

Good condition. The plate displays strong contrast and sharp focal detail. The surface exhibits scattered hairline scratches, a vertical emulsion scratch running through the sitter's hair, and typical pinpoint imperfections.