A ninth-plate ambrotype housed in its original thermoplastic case with an embossed floral and foliate pattern on the exterior, the image set behind a heavily decorated gilt brass mat with an oval opening and ornate raised border incorporating floral corner elements. No photographer's imprint appears on the case or mat. The process, case style, and subject's dress are consistent with the Civil War era of the early 1860s. A paper card affixed to the exterior back of the case is inscribed in period handwriting reading "Uncle George Rawlings" followed by a partially legible word that appears to read "Wyoming" or a similar place name.

During the Civil War, a George W. Rawlings served in the 24th Indiana Infantry, another served in the 98th Illinois Infantry.The subject is shown in a bust-length pose wearing a light-colored jacket with a dark front placket and a row of small buttons running vertically down the center, consistent with a military shell jacket of the period. He wears a striped cravat or neckerchief tied loosely at the throat, and his dark hair is parted and swept back. A chin beard is visible, his expression direct and composed toward the camera.

The ambrotype surface shows areas of lifting and discoloration concentrated around the center of the image, with the collodion layer separating in a roughly circular pattern across the face and upper chest. The case exterior retains its thermoplastic texture with gilt trim along the inner border, and the paper identification card on the back exterior is the sole provenance inscription associated with this image.