Beschreibung:

the image at left a fine ambrotype, the other a tintype, both said to be Kentuckians, although neither is identified. One soldier wears a militia-style double-breasted gray frock coat with high collar and two rows of seven gilded buttons made of jean material with a pronounced vertical pattern in the weave visible under magnification. The uniform bears no rank or identifying insignia. The tinted ruby ambrotype of the dandified officer is spectacular. He sports a fancy homemade shirt made of a patterned material having a ruffled center panel complete with cravat. The jacket or shirt also with a pronounced jean weave has been tinted a delicate pale blue and bears a pair of second lieutenant's straps. The front edges of the uniform along the button line have been turned inward hiding the buttons while still revealing a wide band of black edge trim near the waist. The top of the outside slash pocket shows the same black trim. A silk sash tinted red worn just above a wide black leather belt adds a burst of color to the composition. Prominent are a brace of pistols showing exquisite cylinder and frame detail. The Colt Army is barrel down in a low cut leather holster while the Remington-Beals in tucked into the belt. The uniform is undocumented but has an "early" look to it, as if transitioning from militia or state guard in 1861. An outstanding pair of companion images lacking only identification. Condition: The tintype is EXC with average clarity and dirty cover glass. The ambrotype is near EXC with sharp clarity having a couple of minor mat abrasions. The plate positively glows outside of the dirty cover glass. Housed in a separated composition case.