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     This large ambrotype is a testament to the quality portrait that a photographic artist of the 1860s could produce.  Crystal clear, a large half plate size and wonderful content make it everything the modern Confederate image collector could possibly want.  His dark or cadet grey single breasted enlisted frock coat is adorned by a single row of seven buttons down the breast and three on each cuff.  His darker uniform pants have a distinct yellow stripe running down each leg and his light grey kepi is banded with a dark arched band, most likely brown, like the arch banded Confederate cap shown in the accompanying photograph.  He wears a Model 1851 sword belt with the plate gilted to such an extent that it cannot be determined what the device is, though the center is definitely a circle.  Another interesting feature is that though he is obviously a cavalryman, (by the yellow stripes) he is carrying a mounted artillery sword.  While this would seem very strange for a Union cavalryman, William Owen of the famed Washington Artillery explained it.  Owen was an astute observer and wrote directly from his diary when he penned In Camp and Battle With the Washington Artillery of New Orleans.  In that book he stated plainly that after the battle of First Manassas, all (italics mine) of the artillerymen gave their swords to the cavalry.  This is an important image to illustrate Owen’s observation, because were it not for the distinctive yellow stripe down the pants leg (which no artilleryman would have worn) this gentleman would have been mistaken for an artillery officer, rather than being identified as the cavalry private that he is.

     The image is in beautiful condition and notice the mountain and woods scene in the back and the fine color tinting on his face and the multicolored carpet on the photo studio floor.  It is housed in a book type full case with lyre hasp.  The case is also virtually perfect, with unbroken spine and even the hasp works.       

     Flawless!