Two young men in Civil War-era military dress are depicted together in this gem tintype, set within an embossed paper card mount bearing an ornate oval surround with foliate and scroll relief decoration. The image is mounted on a CDV-sized card, presenting the tintype at its diminutive gem format within the decorative pressed frame. No photographer's imprint is visible on either the front or reverse.

Both subjects wear dark frock-style military jackets with rows of small buttons down the front, white shirts, and loosely knotted cravats or neckties at the collar. The figure on the left rests his arm across the shoulder of the figure on the right in a relaxed, fraternal pose, and both men face the camera with direct, composed expressions and short, side-parted hair.

The gem tintype format was widely popular during the Civil War period, produced quickly and inexpensively for soldiers to carry or send home to family. The button rows and jacket styling visible on both figures are consistent with Union military dress of the 1861 to 1865 period.