Civil War Ambrotype of a Drummer Boy

[Note: Contrast increased from original to improve visibility.]

Fall Americana Auction, Nov. 16 and 17, 2006

Information from Cowan's Auction Website:
Unidentified teenage subject in Illinois-style short jacket with epaulettes "beats to" on a regulation military drum having painted spread-eagle device beneath banner reading "(blank) Reg. Infantry." in reverse. He wears a white heavy canvas drum sling with brass drumstick holders attached. Not published in Keese's fine study of boy soldiers in the Civil War, Too Young to Die. This quarter-plate is a study of any authentic military drummer, not the hyped five-year old drummer dressed up for play found online!

Plate is slightly dark, improving dramatically in artificial light. The center shows a patch of halo-like oxidation without any scratches or abrasions, VG. Housed in a fine gutta percha case, General Marion's Invitation to Dinner (Berg 1-24).

(EST $1500-$2000)

Cowan's Auctions, Inc.
6270 Este Ave
Cincinnati, OH United States 45232
513-871-1670