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Up for sale is a beautiful, authentic 19th-century American Civil War-era photographic portrait. This piece features a crisp ambrotype (image on glass) depicting two seated women in period-correct Victorian attire with center-parted hairstyles.
The image is safely housed in a highly desirable, stamped patriotic brass mat featuring American shields, stars, a bald eagle, and wrapped flags. The lower banner is explicitly stamped \"THE UNION\" with the historical dates \"1776\" and \"1861\", cleanly dating this piece to the onset of the American Civil War.
Condition Details:
• The Image & Backing: A genuine ambrotype on glass. The image package is completely original and remains tightly wedged/sealed in its tray. As is common with ambrotypes of this age, there is some historic flaking and peeling of the original black backing material along the right-hand edge, causing a dark area where the backing has lifted from the glass. Minor age spots/patina typical of a 160+ year old photograph.
• The Case: Set in a leather-covered wooden frame case. Remarkably, the original leather spine/hinge is completely intact and opens smoothly, which is highly uncommon for cases of this vintage.
• The Velvet: The interior features a vibrant, deep crimson/ruby red hot-stamped velvet pad with an embossed floral and scroll motif, showing minimal fading.
• Overall Wear: Gentle, honest shelf wear to the outer leather corners and edges as shown in photos.
Approximate Size: Sixth-Plate (Standard 19th-century photo case sizing, approx. 3.75\" x 3.25\")
Please review all listing photographs carefully to inspect the condition. This is an exceptional, completely intact piece of home-front Civil War history that would make a fantastic addition to any advanced early photography or Americana collection. Ships securely packed to ensure the glass and case are fully protected.
