An unidentified militia soldier stands at full length in this albumen carte-de-visite, presented in a formal studio pose consistent with the 1860s. The subject wears a dark frock coat with double rows of brass buttons running the full length of the chest, prominent white-fringed epaulettes on both shoulders, and a braided aiguillette looped across the torso. A waist belt with an ornate rectangular buckle cinches the coat, and a sword with a tassel-wrapped grip rests at an angle against his right leg.

His dark hair and neatly trimmed beard frame a composed, direct expression toward the camera. A studio prop table covered with a heavily patterned brocade cloth stands to his left, upon which rests what appears to be a bicorne or dress hat with a decorative badge. Dark trousers and polished low-cut shoes complete the ensemble.

The combination of epaulettes, aiguillette, and dress sword indicates a formal militia or ceremonial parade uniform rather than standard field dress, placing this image within a tradition of officer portraiture common throughout the Civil War era. The reverse of the mount is unmarked with no photographer's imprint visible.