Quarter-plate sized daguerreotype photograph of a pre-Civil War military officer from New York, well dressed in his dark uniform. The subject’s shako, which rests on a studio table to his left, includes both a brass hunting horn insignia to designate the infantry as his branch of service, as well as the New York state seal. He grips an ornate sword with a clamshell-style guard. While his identity is currently unknown it is highly likely based on both his apparent age and the approximate date the photo was taken (later 1850s) that he had subsequent service in the Civil War. The image itself is in fine condition, with some light wipe marks at top right. It is housed in a beautiful and undamaged thermoplastic wall frame, a desirable object in its own right.


[Daguerreotype, Ambrotype, Tintype, CDV, Albumen, carte-de-visite, Salt print, Cabinet Card]