Beschreibung:

Lot of 2 half plate tintypes housed together in thermoplastic geometric Union case [Berg 3-4]. The first shows two Union privates standing together in a studio setting, wearing common nine button frock coats, with period inscription behind the image, which reads, "Presented to Malissa A. Miller / By her Husband & Brother / Taken at Madison Feb. 9th 1864 / Total Cost $4.50 / Keep this in remembrance of us Malissa Mother & David." The consignor relates that the image depicts brothers-in-law who both served with Co. A of the 12th Wisconsin Infantry. Company A had a number of soldiers with duplicate/identical last names including a pair of "Millers" who both enlisted in December 1863, including Alonzo Miller and Charles F. Miller. The second tintype shows a group of uniformed soldiers, including the same subjects presented in the first image, which both stand in the back row. In the group shot, all are protected by regulation infantry overcoats. The 12th WI, also known at the "Marching Twelfth," was organized at Madison in the fall of 1861 and mustered out at Louisville July 20, 1865, having lost 96 men in fighting and another 227 to disease. The regiment fought mostly in the Western Theater and Sherman's March, taking part in the engagements at Vicksburg, Natchez, Kennesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Savannah, and Bentonville, NC. Condition: Image of two soldiers together very clear, strong contrast. Second image of group with some wear along perimeter, and surface scratching. Case with corner/edge wear including some chips.