Sixth Plate Ambrotype of South Carolina Officer,

Sixth Plate Ambrotype of South Carolina Officer,
ca. 1860, a very youthful lieutenant or captain, likely serving with state militia, poses in full dress uniform consisting of a dark blue swallowtail coatee having one epaulette. He holds a plumed shako bearing palmetto and infantry bugle hat pins. His uniform's belt, secured by an interlocking two-piece plate, supports what appears to be an 1830s-style foot officer's sword. All metallic elements are fully painted over in silver, thus obscuring the devices on the buttons and belt plate. This fellow may have been a cadet at any of South Carolina's antebellum institutions; however, his uniform's dark color and infantry designation strongly suggest militia. The image is housed behind glass in a brass mat. A rare photograph of a soldier who would have certainly enlisted in the Confederate Army shortly after this picture was made. Descended through the Bynum family of Newberry, South Carolina.
Estimate $600 - 900

Some peripheral emulsion blistering, case missing lid. Overall very good condition.