Original circa 1855–1865 ruby-glass ambrotype portrait of a young man, housed in its period embossed photographic case.
The sitter is shown from the chest up wearing a dark coat, vest, white shirt and bow tie. An unusual patterned strap, ribbon, or chain runs diagonally across his chest. The portrait has excellent facial detail and a particularly striking appearance.
The image is made directly on dark ruby-colored glass. When illuminated from behind, as shown in the photographs, the underlying negative image becomes clearly visible — a characteristic of the ambrotype process.
The case measures approximately 3 x 2.5 inches. It retains an ornate gilt brass mat and decorative preserver.
Condition: Antique condition with substantial age and handling wear, with edge losses, rubbing and old repairs/tape present. The interior mat/preserver shows oxidation and wear. The glass image has scattered surface marks, dust/speckling and age-related imperfections, but the portrait remains strong and clearly visible. Please examine all photographs carefully for condition.
No identification of the sitter is known. He is shown in civilian clothing; no military attribution is being made. Dating is based on the photographic process, case style and clothing.
A handsome original mid-19th-century cased photograph dating to approximately the Civil War era.
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