Original Item: Only One Available. Everything about this image, including its presentation, makes it a splendid memento of the Civil War Era. This cased "Sixth Plate" (2.75 x 3.25 inch) tin type portrait shows an unidentified seated Union solider. He wears a Federal Frock Coat with a Kepi, and is holding a standard U.S. issue Springfield Rifled Musket, which is fitted with a sling. The image is clear and crisp.

The image is behind glass held in an ornate brass mat loaded with intricate designs edging the tintype. A gutta-percha case molded back with a molded floral design. Interior of the case is lined with brown velvet material with decorative designs.

On this example, the picture has in fact become detached from the case, and the back is marked with what looks to be Vicklin Payne. There is also the original maker label underneath, which indicates that Littlefield, Partons & Co. are manufacturers of UNION CASES, which firmly puts this as a Civil War item.

Overall very nice condition, ready to display and research!

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