Haunting 1860s Sixth Plate Ambrotype of Headless Civil War Soldier antique bank They are in good shape

They are in good shape

I love that there are handwritten numbers at the joints of this old cut paper valentine figure--just to make sure one didn't mix up the arms and legs

3" tall x 2

Overall dimsensions: 8 13/16" x 6 3/4"

Haunting 1860s Sixth Plate Ambrotype of Headless Civil War Soldier antique bank They are in good shapeA very dark thing for certain, and to me quite a poignant one. I believe this is an ambrotype, and certainly its is a Civil war soldier in Union uniform captured in the image, whose head, through some combination of damage and the effects of time, I assume just chance occurrence, appears transformed into a cloud of smoke. About as haunting a portrait, and portrait of the effects of war, as I might imagine. Sold as found in case (missing opposite side)