An unidentified soldier is depicted in this ninth-plate tintype, almost certainly dating to the Civil War era of the 1860s. The image is housed in its original thermoplastic case with a red velvet spine lining and a heavily embossed brass mat. No photographer's imprint is visible on the case or image.

The subject wears a caped military-style overcoat with visible front buttons and a standing collar, his dark hair swept to either side and a neatly trimmed chin beard framing a direct, composed expression. The bust-length composition is centered within the oval mat opening, with the soldier's gaze directed slightly upward and to the viewer's left.

The embossed brass mat is a patriotic Civil War-period type bearing the raised inscription "UNION NOW AND FOREVER" along its lower arc, flanked by molded military motifs including a drum, a cannon wheel, stars, and a rearing horse, placing this piece firmly within a recognized category of Union-sentiment presentation cases produced during the conflict.