Original Item: Only One Available. Everything about this image, including its presentation, makes it a splendid memento of the Civil War Era. This cased "Sixth Plate" (2.75 x 3.25 inch) tin type portrait shows an unidentified seated Union Officer. He wears a Federal Frock Coat with 9 Brass buttons, which has officer shoulder rank insignia, though we cannot make out what rank they are for. The image is clear and crisp.

The image is behind glass held in an ornate brass mat loaded with intricate designs edging the tintype. It is contained in an embossed leather covered case, with lovely patriotic designs on both sides showing an eagle on a U.S. shield. Interior of the case is lined in velvet material with decorative designs.

Overall very nice condition, ready to display!

Tintypes, originally known as or ferrotypes or melainotypes, were invented in the 1850s and continued to be produced into the 20th century. The photographic emulsion was applied directly to a thin sheet of iron coated with a dark lacquer or enamel, which produced a unique positive image. Like the ambrotype, tintypes were often hand-colored. Customers purchased cases, frames, or paper envelopes to protect and display their images.

Primarily used for portraiture, each photo is a unique camera-exposed image and was available in the following standard-sizes. The most common size was the sixth plate.
- Imperial or Mammoth Plate - Larger than 6.5 x 8.5 inches
- Whole Plate - 6.5 x 8.5 inches
- Half Plate - 4.25 x 5.5 inches
- Quarter Plate - 3.25 x 4.25 inches
- Sixth Plate - 2.75 x 3.25 inches
- Ninth Plate - 2 x 2.5 inches