American Historical Ephemera and Photography Featuring the Civil War and American Militaria Collection of Bruce B. Hermann

Sixth plate ambrotype, glass appears to be tinted blue, which is rarely encountered. (Strong clarity, somewhat soft focus, minor spotting, tarnish to edges.) Housed in half, pressed paper case (surface wear). Provenance: Descended directly in the family of John Adams, Jr. (as related by consignor). 

The subject is shown in uniform, with three inverted chevrons visible on the sleeves of his coat. That style of ornamentation is documented as having been worn early in the war (1861) by the Gist Rifles (Company D) of the infantry battalion of Hampton's Legion, however none of the 14 Adams' in the Civil War Database served in that unit. 

Of significance is the revolver that the subject displays, which appears to be an uncommon Confederate-made brass framed Spiller & Burr six shot .36 caliber. It is estimated that fewer than 1500 examples of Spiller & Burr were made, documented as 762 in Richmond and Atlanta through 1862, with another 689 manufactured beginning January 1864 when production resumed after the company was purchased by the CS Government.

[With:] Quarter plate, post-war ambrotype believed to show John Adams, Jr., (at right) seated with a young man. (Some surface wear near edges, spotting to mat.) Housed in half, pressed paper case (damage to top edge, surface wear). 

John Adams Jr. (1843-1924) was born in Greenville, South Carolina, to John Adams and Mary Anne Simpson Adams. The Confederate Home Records of South Carolina identify a soldier by the name of John Adams from Greenville, SC, who enlisted in 1861 with Company B, 16th South Carolina Volunteers, serving until April 1865 at the surrender of Joseph R. Johnston. These details correspond with what is known about the subject of the photograph, suggesting that he may have fought with the 16th South Carolina Volunteers during the war.