1/6th Plate Field Tintype of Union Soldiers with Young Drummer Boy

Description

1/6th Plate Field Tintype of Union Soldiers with Young Drummer Boy

A scarce 1/6th plate Civil War tintype taken outdoors in the field, depicting a group of Union soldiers posed in camp. Unlike the vast majority of Civil War photographs taken in studio settings, field images such as this are considerably less common, preserving an authentic wartime moment as it occurred.

The most compelling figure is the remarkably young soldier standing prominently in the center of the group. Judging by his stature and youthful features, he appears to be only eight or nine years old. Dressed in a military uniform complete with a waist belt bearing an oval U.S. plate, he was almost certainly serving as a drummer boy. Boys of this age commonly filled these essential positions, sounding camp and battlefield calls, carrying orders, and performing countless duties while sharing the hardships of army life alongside the enlisted men.

The photograph is housed in its original embossed brass mat. While the tintype exhibits significant condition issues, including contrast loss, surface wear, and overall degradation from age and use, the image remains entirely identifiable and retains its historical importance. Outdoor field tintypes are scarce in their own right, and the presence of such an extraordinarily young drummer boy makes this an especially evocative and desirable Civil War image.

Inventory Number: HAR 265