unidentified, but incredible content being the only cased officer post-mortem we have ever seen. Lying in repose with open eyes and elevated arms is a slightly bearded company grade officer in frock coat and shoulder boards with his sword and belt rig placed next to him in the confining wooden coffin. The mortician fitted white dress gloves to his curled hands that accentuate the effect of rigor mortis. At the officer's head are the bold stars and wide stripes of the honorary flag. The unknown artist composed the image looking down upon the coffin at an angle imparting both an uncomfortably claustrophobic feel and surreal "floating" quality to this final photograph. A complex and time consuming image probably taken far from the frontlines in the deceased's hometown.
Condition: Plate shows minor spidering in top varnish, else EXC with strong lighting and good but not great clarity. Housed in a black gutta percha geometric case with minor edge wear.