Tintype of Union Drummer with Regimental Drum

Information from Cowan's Auction Website:
Price Realized Including Buyer's Premium: $2,520.00
Auction: 2006, Spring Americana, May 10, 11 & 12

1176. DOUBLE QUARTER PLATE TINTYPE OF AUTHENTIC UNION DRUMMER, with companion image of the unidentified drummer and two pards, one man’s face deliberately obliterated. Wearing a nine-button frock coat and kepi this Union musician pretends to beat a full regulation drum with unusual painted spread eagle, banner and shield motif and partial “INFANTRY” visible in reverse. A correct heavy canvas drum sling hangs from his neck and the drum is complete with its twisted rope dress cords. No regimental insignia is visible. The drummer with light moustache but no goatee is the first man standing on left in the companion tintype. He wears partial uniform with civilian jacket suggesting either early war or veteran’s furlough in ’63 or ’64. This image is a case study of an authentic Civil War military drummer, not the usual five-year-old child dressed up for play as a drummer found online!

Drummer plate with halo of tarnish around mat opening, scattered hairlines in field, and minor mat abrasions, else near VG. with above average clarity. Companion image on the dark side with far right subject partially rubbed out. Housed in a slightly warped gutta percha figural case with cracked lower hinge and minor edge wear.

(EST $1000-$1500)
Price Realized: $2,520.00
Price includes buyer's premium.

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