Description
This exceptional half plate ruby ambrotype depicts a determined Confederate soldier with a very serious look about him. He is seated in front of a plain backdrop which looks like part of an itinerant photographer’s studio. He is wearing a plain single-breasted frock coat with contrasting cuffs, and trousers with a dark stripe down the sides of the legs. He is prominently displaying a militia style sword. There is a sash under his belt. The important feature of the belt is the large artillery style two-piece CS belt plate. Under a loupe the backward letters are easy to see even though the plate is slightly gilded. I cannot emphasize enough the rarity of this plate. Only a very few have ever been excavated, and I have not seen another photograph of a soldier wearing one. The image is in excellent condition and is quite clear. It is housed in an OK thermoplastic case. I have said this before, but in this instance, I will say it again. This is a centerpiece image, not only due to size but also due to content. The pose is excellent and the belt plate is extremely rare. It is most certainly an investment grade image.
