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Spectacular Half Plate Ruby Ambrotype of Tennessee Hunter &

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Militaria Start Price:2,100.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Spectacular Half Plate Ruby Ambrotype of Tennessee Hunter &

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Auction Date:2009 Jun 24 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Location:6270 Este Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, United States
accompanied by an early 20th century inked label that reads, Gross’s brother Andrew/Picture taken some time/at or during the Civil War, /and his dog. Andrew was killed in/the battle at Murfreesburg (sic)./This picture (done in wood)/of a dog was made by an Indian for Andrew. The studio portrait depicts a true backwoods frontiersman turned early war volunteer resplendent in a hunting shirt with wide collar and pleated sleeves. The red tinted collar is edged in white and decorated with domed brass buttons. A light-colored silk secession cockade is visible just above the apex of the V. Tennessee seceded on May 6, 1861 and the restyled fatigue blouse - probably the work of a local Ladies Aid Society - quickly became the most common type of uniform worn by the 160 odd volunteer companies that responded to Governor Harris. At least temporarily, this fellow retains his civilian double-barrel shotgun. The image imparts both character and fluidity thanks to the cameo droopy-eyed hound loyally resting his head on his master’s leg. A triple chain collar is visible behind the man’s hand where it caresses the dog’s ear.

Both HDS and CWSS list just three different Confederates named Andrew Gross. This ambrotype is probably Private Andrew J. Gross, Co. H. 2nd Tennessee Infantry (Bate’s-Robinson). Incomplete records show that Andrew and his three brothers — Green, Perry, and Van Buren — enlisted together on May 6th at Nashville. The regiment moved east and entered Confederate service at Lynchburg, Virginia on May 12, 1861. The privately printed Sumner County, Tennessee in the Civil War by Edwin L. Ferguson relates that Perry Gross died June 24, 1861 (of disease). The regiment returned to Tennessee in February 1862 and Andrew is shown as discharged March 10, 1862 (reason not specified). The two remaining brothers, Green (killed) and Perry (wounded) became casualties at Richmond, Kentucky on August 30, 1862 where Kirby Smith took the field and over 4,000 Union prisoners. The Murfreesburg (sic) reference is wrong; the anonymous descendant writing the label long after the fact must have confused the Gross brothers’ service. It is not known whether Andrew Gross survived the war. An exemplary Southern image lacking only National Archive records. 

Condition: The plate shows two areas of minor scuffing in the right field near the mat opening, else VG+. with strong clarity; housed in a separated composition case. The earlier style daguerreian brass mat and retainer appear to be original to the plate.