Unmounted sixth plate tintype of a youthful Union soldier standing in full-length pose, holding a sword vertically with both hands. He wears a forage cap and a dark frock coat with brass buttons, with tinted gold accents to the buttons and a pinkish hue added to his cheeks. The image captures a stark, studio backdrop, giving full focus to the solemn-faced, likely teenage soldier.

The reverse retains a 5-cent orange and red 1864 Internal Revenue tax stamp affixed to black paper backing, partially canceled in ink. A striking image of a young enlistee—possibly a musician or junior officer—armed with a sword nearly as tall as he is.