An unidentified Union soldier stands at full length in this albumen CDV with no photographer's imprint produced during the Civil War era. He faces the camera directly with a composed, forward expression, dressed in a dark frock coat with a single-breasted row of buttons running from collar to waist. A forage cap sits squarely on his head, and a wide leather waist belt with a visible plate secures his uniform at the midsection.

Two weapons are clearly present, confirming the seller's notation of double armament: a holstered revolver rides on his left hip, and he holds a cavalry saber with its basket hilt visible in both hands at center, the tip resting on the studio floor. His coat extends nearly to the knee, and a sword knot or tassel is visible looped around the saber's guard.

The combination of saber and revolver was typical of Union cavalry officers and enlisted cavalry during the Civil War, making this portrait a strong example of the period's military studio photography. The plain, graduated backdrop and full-length composition are consistent with commercial studio practice of the 1861 to 1865 period.

The reverse is blank with no photographer's imprint, inscription, or identifying notation.