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 an open Federal Frock Coat over a vest, which has officer shoulder rank insignia, which look to have the single bar for a First Lieutenant. 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 or paper covered case, with lovely floral designs on both sides. Interior of the case is lined in velvet material with decorative designs. The case does not have a hinge and the two halves were held together by the covering, which has now torn completely through. It does still have two functioning latches.

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