Lot includes a sixth plate tintype of Pvt. Christopher Shofner of the 8th Tennessee Infantry and a sixth plate daguerreotype of a man who is thought to be Jeptha Shofner, Christopher's father.

Pvt. Christopher Columbus Shofner enlisted with the "Mulberry Riflemen" 8th Tennessee Infantry in 1861. He was captured by Union forces in late 1863 and sent to a prisoner's camp in Rock, Illinois, where he died in early 1864. This portrait of Shofner is identified by notes in the back of its case that are directed to a photographer who was copying it after the war for Christopher's brother, Reuben T. Shofner. Interestingly, Reuben instructs the photographer to "remove [Christopher's] uniform" when making the photograph copy. Perhaps Reuben wished to remember Christopher as he was before leaving home. Under the note to the photographer is a faint inscription which reads "C.C. Shofner."

The second image probably dates to c. 1847 and is believed to depict Jeptha Shofner, a plantation owner and father of Christopher Shofner. It is a simple portrait made superb by delicate hand-coloring in pastel blue, green, and pink. The image has not been inspected outside its case, but is believed to retain its original seals.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [19th Century Photography, Daguerreotype, Ambrotype, Tintype, CDV, carte-de-visite, albumen, cabinet card]