6/25/2021 - American Historical Ephemera & Photography

Sixth plate, hand-tinted ruby ambrotype portrait. N.p.: n.p., [1860s]. (Strong clarity and contrast, light surface wear visible near mat opening.) Housed in half case (wear to surface, edges, and corners). A demonstrative portrait of a tranquil older enlistee showing the expressive details of his face highlighted by an Amish-style beard. The square billed forage cap and 9-button frock coat are recent issue. Note that only the bottom of the collar bears a narrow band of piping. -- Post-war 4th Rhode Island shield badge inscribed on obverse, "1861-1865 / 4th / R.I.V.", 1 1/4 x 1 1/2 in., with partial blue silk ribbon (tattered, hand-stitched repairs, separated into two parts).