This is a CDV portrait of a young man wearing what looks like a military uniform coat. If it is indeed a military uniform, that makes it an unusual acquisition, at least for us. There is photographer information on the back: E. M. Smith, 268 Main St., Buffalo. Also, someone wrote the following in pencil: "Mrs. Goodrich son". They wrote it exactly like that.
We believe we have a portrait of someone who was either serving (or had served) in the US Army during the time of civil war.
What we know: The CDV has the right look to be from the 1860s. The photographer, E. M. Smith, was at the address listed on the back in Buffalo, NY from 1861-1864, which corresponds to the era of the CDV and the dates of the civil war. The man is definitely of military age, and the coat has a military look to it.
What is conjecture: We're assuming his last name is Goodrich, but it may not be. If his father had died and his mother remarried, for example, he probably would not have the same name as his mother. I'm assuming the coat is military, but I'm no expert. If it is, he was most likely a private, because there is no rank insignia. NCOs would have patches on the sleeves, officers would have shoulder boards.
So, it is what it is. Personally, I think this guy was a soldier when this picture was taken. And I think his last name was probably Goodrich.
Update: Sold!
