Original Item: Only One Available. Everything about this image, including its presentation, makes it a splendid memento of the Civil War Era. This "Ninth Plate" (2 x 2.5 inch) tin type portrait shows an unidentified seated Union Officer. He wears an closed Federal Frock Coat, which has shoulder Epaulettes for an officer, though we cannot discern the rank. He has his right hand on his officer's sword, and while dark, the photo still has most details discernable.

The image is behind glass held in an ornate brass mat loaded with intricate designs edging the tintype. It is contained in a half wooden case, which originally would have had a cover held in place by a fabric hinge. This portion is unfortunately missing, as is the leatherette covering where the front portion originally attached.

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