1/4 Plate Ambrotype Confederate in a Homespun "Corduroy" Uniform

Unidentified Confederate Soldier
Quarter-plate hand-tinted ambrotype, three-quarter-length studio portrait
Photograph on glass, American Civil War era, ca. 1861–1863
Housed in a full thermoplastic case featuring the Washington Monument, Richmond, Virginia (Berg 1-17S)
 
A beautifully composed studio portrait of an unidentified Confederate soldier wearing a distinctive homemade uniform, likely fashioned from broad-wale corduroy. The sitter gazes calmly into the camera, hands resting gently in his lap, conveying a sense of composure and quiet resolve.
 
The jacket, though clearly home-sewn, reflects a deliberate effort to imitate a regulation double-breasted military coat, complete with two rows of large buttons, shoulder epaulettes, and deep front pockets—a practical addition that would have been invaluable to a soldier in the field. Such garments are emblematic of the early Confederate war effort, when shortages forced reliance on civilian clothing adapted for military use.
 
The ambrotype is preserved in a rare and highly desirable thermoplastic case depicting the Washington Monument in Richmond, the former Confederate capital. The case is in pristine condition, exhibiting strong, crisp relief, and significantly enhances the historical and collectible value of this evocative Southern Civil War portrait.