~Quarter plate tintype. [Beaufort, South Carolina], circa 1862. Housed in early 20th-century patriotic frame.

Fantastic tintype image of a handsome Union officer holding his sword next to a table draped with an American flag. The palm tree-themed backdrop behind him is associated with a thus far unknown photographer who made likenesses of Union soldiers stationed in and around Beaufort, South Carolina around 1862. Hallmarks of their work include the nicely tinted flag and unique “tropical” backdrop. This particular example is quite unique in that the image is housed in an ornate circular patriotic frame topped with a martial eagle. While his identity is so far unknown, identified examples of this artist’s work tend to be associated with the 100th Pennsylvania “Roundheads” and 79th New York “Highlanders” regiments.

Beaufort, South Carolina was the first southern city conquered by Union forces after the U.S. Navy victory in Port Royal Sound on 7 November 1861. Headquarters of the army’s Department of the South, many Northern soldiers passed through Beaufort during their service.

The image itself is nearly flawless despite being custom cut from an original quarter plate-sized image to fit its unique patriotic frame. Missing cover glass. Measures 5 1/2 inches high (including eagle) x 3 3/4 wide.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Daguerreotype, Ambrotype, Tintype, CDV, Albumen, carte-de-visite, Salt print, Cabinet Card]