Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original American Civil War sixth plate tintype portrait of an unidentified Union soldier, photographed standing in his regulation-style military sack coat and forage cap. Measuring approximately 2 ¾ x 3 ¼ inches, the image retains its original presentation in a decorative thermoplastic case, which, although broken into two separate halves, still retains its velvet-lined opposite panel and original latch components. Particularly interesting is the photographer's identification concealed behind the image, naming Hazelton’s Photograph and Ambrotype Gallery at 140 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts. This surviving studio identification provides an important connection to the Massachusetts photographic trade during the Civil War era. The combination of the soldier's uniform, the cased presentation, and the identified Boston photographer makes this an interesting example of the personal military portraits produced for Union servicemen during the conflict.

Photography played an important role in documenting the experiences of soldiers and civilians during the American Civil War (1861–1865). By the beginning of the conflict, photographic portraiture had become increasingly accessible, allowing soldiers to obtain images of themselves before leaving for military service or while stationed near towns with established photographic studios. These portraits were frequently sent home to families, exchanged with loved ones, or carried as personal keepsakes throughout the war.

The case is broken, with the two ends no longer attached, but it will look good for display. The opposite side retains its velvet well. The latch pieces are all intact but as mentioned the case itself is broken in half.

This Civil War sixth plate tintype is an informative surviving portrait of an unidentified Union soldier wearing the familiar sack coat and forage cap of Federal military service. The standing composition provides a useful view of the soldier's uniform, while the surviving Hazelton’s Photograph and Ambrotype Gallery identification establishes a connection to a Boston photographic establishment. Although the original thermoplastic case has broken into two separate halves, its retained latch components and velvet-lined panel preserve much of the original presentation. The combination of identifiable military clothing, a period photographic format, and a named studio makes this a noteworthy example of the personal portraits that helped preserve the appearance and memory of Union servicemen during the American Civil War.

Tintypes

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
- Sixteenth Plate - 1.5 x 1.75 inches