A ninth plate ambrotype portrait of a young man is housed in a thermoplastic (Union) case bearing one of the most patriotic designs produced during the Civil War era, the "Union Forever" eagle motif. The front cover presents a spread-winged American eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, with a banner reading "UNION FOREVER" arching above it, all set within an elaborately scrolled border. The case dates the portrait to the early-to-mid 1860s, consistent with wartime production.

The subject is seated at a low surface, resting one arm across it with a composed, direct gaze. He wears a dark frock coat over a white shirt with a broad white cravat, his dark hair parted and combed neatly to one side. The gilt mat framing the image is heavily embossed with a floral and foliate pattern pressed in bright gold-toned brass.

The back cover carries a symmetrical rococo-style relief of acanthus scrolls and a central cartouche, while the interior pad is deep crimson velvet embossed with a decorative monogram-style medallion. The photographer's imprint is not visible on the case or image.

Property of a Palmer, Massachusetts gentleman.