1/6th Plate Tintype of An Armed Infantryman with Overcoat- A Bell & Bro Image

1/6th Plate Tintype of An Armed Infantryman with Overcoat. This unidentified soldier wearing his federal issue frock coat, draps his overcoat over the right shoulder (reversed image), while holding his rifle musket with bayonet attached.

Photographed by Francis M. Bell, who was a gunsmith in Fredericksburg, Virginia in the early 1850’s, then moved to Washington, D.C. prior to the Civil War. and began a photography business. Bell continued on during the war photographing Washington views, battlefields, and portraits.  There is much more to the history of this family, and can be found easily on the net.

Some crackling to the emulsion on tin. The company label is pasted on the back side.  Verification of this being a Bell & Bro can be seen in the carpet used in this photo and others seen on the site devoted to Bell & Bro.  Contained in its original leatherette case with repaired hinge area.