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Lot 59

Sale 1250 - American Historical Ephemera & Photography
Nov 30, 2023 10:00AM ET
Live / Cincinnati
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Estimate
$500 - 700
Price Realized
$882
Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium

Lot Description

[CIVIL WAR]. Sixth plate ambrotype of Frank M. Chamberlin, Co. I, 79th New York Volunteers. N.p., ca 1862. 

Seated portrait of a youthful soldier wearing a regulation 4-button sack coat and having a beautiful blue-tinted infantry greatcoat draped draped over his arm. (Some minor surface imperfections, otherwise great clarity; unsealed.) Housed in a half pressed paper case (surface wear). Pencil inscription on case interior reads, "March 1862, Frank M Chamberlin, Co I. 79th NY Vols, Highlanders." 

The 79th New York Infantry Regiment was the successor of the lavishly attired Cameron Highlanders of NYC, a militia unit that wore traditional Scottish dress. 

Frank M. Chamberlin claimed to be 21 upon enlistment on 7 March 1862, but given his very youthful appearance in this portrait, it is likely he was a teenager who falsified his age in order to enlist.   Private Chamberlain was captured during the slugfest on James Island (Battle of Secessionville) on 16 June 1862, but was quickly paroled two days later. He would be promoted to corporal and sergeant before mustering out on 6 March 1865.

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