Sixth plate hand-tinted & gilt tintype. Leatherette case. Anonymous artist. South Carolina (?).

Nearly flawless portrait of a young Confederate soldier that likely fought for South Carolina, the vanguard of secession.

The unknown photographer was clearly skilled, this image exhibits exceptional clarity. This southern soldier’s dark uniform and light collar detail strongly resembles that of several early South Carolina infantry regiments. The application of gold gilt to his neat headgear distinguishes light-colored welt both around the crown and above the visor, as well as quatrefoil on top. A well-worn and likely occupied leather holster rests against his hip.


[Daguerreotype, Ambrotype, Tintype, Carte-de-visite, CDV, Albumen, Mexican War, Mexican American War, Civil War, Slavery, Abolitionist, Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, Early Photography]

Provenance: Herb Peck assembled one of the first and greatest collections of historic American photography before it was stolen in 1978 from his Nashville home. Once thought lost forever, authorities recently traced an unexpected clue and discovered many of Herb’s images unscathed after nearly 45 years in hiding. These daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, and tintypes comprise one of the most important collections of Civil War portrait photography ever curated. Herb Peck was a true pioneer who understood both the historic and artistic merit of portraits showing the common Civil War soldier at a time when they were often overlooked. These photographs are deeply important to our shared American history, and Fleischer's Auctions is proud to make them publicly available on behalf of the Peck family.

As represented. For a full condition report, please email us.