Two sixth-plate daguerreotypes housed in a hinged double pressed-leather case with original brass clasp, featuring an arched mat on the right and a scalloped mat on the left. Ca. 1846 - 1850. Plates measure approx. 2 3/4 x 3 1/4 in.; open case approx. 6 x 3 3/4 in. Accompanied by a lock of Ebbert's hair preserved behind the plate and research documentation confirming his burial in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Frederick, Maryland.

An exceptional double-plate portrait set documenting an antebellum soldier before and during service in the Mexican-American War era. The right plate captures William Ebbert in a seated military study featuring vibrant, original hand-tinting: He wears a regulation sky-blue wool fatigue shell jacket with brass eagle buttons, standing collar, and red branch-of-service piping along the collar and slash breast pocket denoting U.S. Artillery. On his head sits a model 1847 enlisted forage cap fitted with a stamped brass eagle insignia closely matching the Dragoon pattern (without the radiated starburst.) His waist is belted in dark leather, hands clasped quietly in his lap.

The left plate depicts Ebbert as a civilian in an undisturbed companion sitting: He poses against a studio chair wearing an open dark coat and a bold plaid waistcoat over a white collar and neck stock. This civilian plate remains preserved in its original, untouched paper tape seals.

William Ebbert was born in Frederick, Maryland, around 1827 and entered federal service during the Mexican-American War era as an artilleryman in the regular army. Following his military service, he returned to civilian life in Frederick County, working in local trades and establishing deep roots in the community until his death in the late 19th century, where he was laid to rest in historic Mount Olivet Cemetery among generations of Maryland veterans.

Mexican War-era uniformed daguerreotypes remain among the rarest categories of American military photography. 

[Mexican War, Mexican-American War, Daguerreotype, Sixth Plate, William Ebbert, Frederick Maryland, Mount Olivet Cemetery, US Artillery, Artilleryman, Sky Blue Shell Jacket, Fatigue Uniform, Forage Cap, Dragoon Eagle, Plaid Vest, Double Case, Militaria, Cased Image]

Very good condition. The military plate shows strong hand-applied blue and red tinting, clear facial definition, and soft natural edge tarnish. The civilian plate displays deep contrast within undisturbed seals.