H. D. McMaster, identified by ink inscription on the reverse, is portrayed in this Civil War-era CDV in the full dress of a Union officer. The albumen print dates to the 1861–1865 period and was almost certainly made by a studio photographer serving military clientele, though no photographer's imprint is visible on the mount.

McMaster wears a double-breasted dark frock coat with two rows of brass buttons and shoulder straps indicating officer rank, a broad sash crossing diagonally from his left shoulder, and a regulation forage cap with visible insignia at the crown. His full mustache and composed, direct gaze give the portrait a confident, commanding quality consistent with officer portraits of the period.

The reverse inscription reads "Yours Truly, H. D. McMaster," followed by an additional line referencing Company "A" and what appears to read an Iowa regiment designation, placing him among the Iowa volunteer infantry or cavalry units mustered during the Civil War.

The reverse is inscribed in period ink script: "Yours Truly / H. D. McMaster / 1st Co. 'A' [Iowa Vols?]." No photographer's imprint is present on the mount.

From the collection of James Lee Soffer