[CIVIL WAR]. Half plate tintype portrait of a Union soldier, likely a Zouave.

Half plate tintype studio portrait of a young soldier wearing the characteristic red fez, wide blue sash, flared trousers and white gaiters of a Zouave, but also sporting an unknown Chasseur-style jacket. He stands before a makeshift blank "studio backdrop," and poses with one arm angled out at the elbow. Components of his uniform are hand-tinted including his red fez and tassel, blue sash, and gold buttons and belt plate.

Housed in a full pressed paper case. Pencil inscription to case interior behind image reads, "$5.00 Excelsior."

Though we cannot match all of the elements of this young private's uniform to a particular regiment with certainty, the combination of red headgear and blue sash was known to be worn by the 114th Pennsylvania, "Collis' Zouaves," which could be a reasonable attribution. Additionally the "Excelsior" inscription behind the image could point to New York's Excelsior Brigade as another possibility.

Plate with some light or minor surface imperfections and some darkening. Spotting to mat; unsealed.

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Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

[email protected]513.666.4958

Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography, including The Larry Ness Collection of Native American Photography

[CIVIL WAR]. Half plate tintype portrait of a Union soldier, likely a Zouave.

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