Description
This crystal clear sixth plate ambrotype depicts a seated Confederate enlisted man wearing a CS garment called a “four-button jacket.” The jacket is unusual, to say the least, and this one is special due to the four wooden buttons like those made for the Richmond Depot by the Gibson brothers. The jacket has a large exterior pocket, and the trousers are made of matching twill jean cloth. The trousers even have a tear at the knee! The type of jacket would indicate a late war image. The soldier’s face and hands are tinted, as are the jacket buttons. The case is a fine example of a southern “homemade” style that I have not seen before. A metal tab acts as the closure mechanism (similar to a thermoplastic case), as there is no hook and eye closure typical on wood-framed cases. The case is complete with the picture on both sides and has a repaired hinge. I have included pictures of the case for those who like southern cases. The soldier is unidentified, but the image came from a Fort Mill, South Carolina estate sale. This is a truly unique southern image in both uniform and case. I cannot envision a nicer classically posed Confederate sixth plate image.
