Full-length albumen CDV studio portrait. [Cincinnati, Ohio]: James Presley Ball, ca 1862–1865. Photographer's imprint to mount recto bearing Ball's distinctive blind-embossed studio mark: "J. P. BALL / 30 W. 4TH ST". Mount verso with later pencil notation: "Signal Flag."

This full-length studio portrait depicts a clean-shaven man with a chin curtain beard, standing proudly in a civilian interpretation of a US Pattern 1858 Frock Coat. In his left hand, he holds an upright staff bearing a flag. His right hand rests atop an upright volume positioned on a draped round table, set against James Presley ("J.P.") Ball's distinctive studio balustrade and painted backdrop. This war-date image is unique as it captures a man clothed in military fashion, but who was likely not enlisted in the military. Though a previous collector has identified the flag as a "signal flag," this may not be the case. Due to its indeterminate markings, the flag is not able to be definitively identified, and may have been related to military, political, civilian, or religious affiliations. 

J.P. Ball was among the most prominent and celebrated African American photographers of the 19th century, establishing one of the Midwest’s finest galleries in Cincinnati before later working in Minneapolis, Montana, and Seattle. Wartime Civil War portraits bearing Ball's blindstamp or imprint are highly prized.

[Civil War, American Civil War, J. P. Ball, James Presley Ball, African American Photographer, Black Photographers, Cincinnati Ohio, African Americana] [Photography, Early Photography, Historic Photography, Carte-de-visite, CDV, Albumen Photographs, J.P. Ball, Ohio History, Military Photography, Blindstamp]

Very good. The albumen print displays warm tones and clear definition. The card mount is flat, displaying a crisp embossed Ball studio mark, light handling soil, and subtle, even age toning.