A Union soldier is portrayed in this sixth plate tintype, seated with hands folded in his lap before a painted studio backdrop depicting a military encampment scene. The image dates to the Civil War era, consistent with the uniform details and case style, and no photographer's imprint is visible. The thermoplastic case housing the image features an embossed deer-in-landscape motif repeated across both exterior panels, surrounded by elaborate scrollwork borders, and retains its original purple velvet pad on the interior lid with an embossed foliate design.

The soldier wears a dark frock coat with a row of brass buttons down the front and chevron stripes visible on both sleeves, indicating a non-commissioned officer rank. His trousers are light-colored, his posture is relaxed but direct, and a mustache and full dark hair give him a strong, composed appearance. The painted backdrop behind him depicts a tent at left and what appears to be a cannon with stacked cannonballs at right.

Union non-commissioned officers' portrait tintypes made before painted military backdrops were a popular convention at studios catering to soldiers during the Civil War, providing men the opportunity to carry keepsake portraits home or send them to family. The chevron placement and uniform cut are consistent with an infantry corporal or sergeant of the early-to-mid 1860s.

The case is thermoplastic, sixth plate size, with a gilt brass mat and preserver framing an oval opening. No inscription or reverse notation is visible.

From the collection of James Lee Soffer