A Civil War-era soldier identified on the case interior as "West Long" stands at full length in this ruby ambrotype, presented in a sixth plate format and dating to the early 1860s. The image is a ruby ambrotype, rendered on red-tinted glass that produces the characteristically warm tones of that process, and housed in a leather case with an embossed geometric and foliate design on the exterior cover. No photographer's imprint is visible.

The subject wears a dark frock coat with a long row of closely spaced spherical buttons running from collar to hem, light-colored trousers, and a high standing collar consistent with Union Army enlisted dress. His kepi-style forage cap, bearing what appears to be a brass insignia on the crown, rests atop a turned baluster prop to his right, and he holds a glove loosely in his left hand while resting his right on the pedestal base.

The inscription on the interior of the case lid reads "West Long" in a clear cursive hand, followed by what appears to be "B.C.W.D. No. 2," suggesting a collection or organizational notation that may help further identify the sitter or his unit.

The case liner inscription reads: "West Long / B.C.W.D. No. 2" with an additional partially legible line above. The image is a sixth plate ruby ambrotype housed in a leather case with a contemporary lid.

From the collection of James Lee Soffer