Description

Exceptional half plate ambrotype of an early war Virginia militia officer.  He is posed with his foot officer’s sword, kepi and two piece Virginia buckle.  The state seal on the plate is obviously Virginia, but it is not crystal clear, so the image is priced accordingly.  The uniform buttons are Virginia staffs, but you have to look closely with a loupe to get a sense that they are Virginia.  The officer is dressed in a dark blue uniform in the manner of the US Army regulations of 1858.  Virginia followed those regulations fairly closely prior to the outbreak of the Civil War.  Company officers wore a single breasted frock coat, as is worn by the officer in this image.  Hardee hats are common in these early war Virginia images, but this officer is holding a kepi, which would likely have been non-regulation.  The image is housed in a black thermoplastic case with the George Washington statue on the front.  There is a crack in the back of the case and a chip out of one of the clasps.  The front of the case is perfect.  I can not emphasize enough the quality of this image.  There are no flaws, and the image is as clear as you will ever find in a Confederate image.  The content is exceptional, and it is the rare half plate size.  There are few opportunities to own a half plate Confederate image, particularly at this price.