Description
This sixth plate tintype depicts a simply dressed Confederate soldier wearing a checked shirt with bowtie and kepi. He is nicely outfitted with early war white web cross belts and an oval breastplate which has been gilded. This belt configuration was intended to carry a cartridge box and usually was accompanied by a white web waist belt and sheet brass belt plate. These belts were not serviceable and did not last long. As a result, plates of this type were usually found in early war sites. Under a loupe the button on the kepi appears to be a flower button. Although gilded, the breastplate looks to be plain. The image came out of Virginia and certainly has an early war Virginia look about it. It is likely representative of a company with limited resources that quickly put together an inexpensive military uniform. Housed in a complete leatherette case with repaired spine, this is a fine early war Confederates image that would enhance any collection.
