The Civil War Collection of James C. Frasca

Sixth plate tintype of two Ohio soldiers housed in a thermoplastic frame, 4 3/4 x 4  3/8 in. (image shows excellent detail, contrast, and clarity, some light surface wear and light abrading along perimeter where plate meets mat). The subjects are seated in front of a makeshift outdoor backdrop at an unknown location. Knapsacks resting on their laps serve as tables for their mess gear, which include cups, spoons and additionally for the private on the left, his plate and knife. Each soldier prominently displays a large piece of hardtack for the photographer; it is actually possible to count the number of holes in each piece. With hands thus occupied, the Springfield rifles are propped between their legs and rest against their bodies. Canteen, haversack, and cartridge belt slings are all visible. With so much wonderful detail in this photograph, the viewer might, at first glance, miss perhaps the rarest detail; affixed to the corporal's cartridge box sling is a superbly detailed Ohio State Seal breastplate. Most authorities consider this plate to be one of the rarest, if not the rarest of all Civil War Union Plates.