Description
Sixth plate tintype of a Federal infantryman. Seated posed, dressed in a four button sack coat, which he has tucked into his trousers. His cap and cartridge box’s are worn on the waist belt while displaying his musket for the camera. He is armed with a rare “Mini” rifle which was manufactured by J. Henry & Son of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Several hundred of these rifles are known to have been sold to the US Government during the summer of 1861. Approximately another 150 were sold to Pennsylvania home guard troops. It can probably be safely assumed that this soldier was most likely from Pennsylvania as well. He gives the appearance of a fresh recruit, all nice and tidy, not yet hardened to life in the field which would coincide with the early 1861 issue date of these rifles. This one does have a vertical scratch which runs right through the middle of the image from top to bottom. Housed in a full leatherette case.
