Circa 1862, the quarter plate image on clear glass is housed in a half case, its subjects being two Gantt Family brothers from Belwood in Cleveland County, North Carolina. The sitter on the left wears a double-breasted light gray officer's frock coat secured with fourteen three-piece staff buttons and sporting a second or third lieutenant's single bar on the collar. Applied studio gilt typically prevents identification of the buttons. The sitter on the right wears a six-button single-breasted frock coat with no rank insignia. His gilt buttons are also of three-piece staff construction. Abel, Marcus and Melvin Gantt served in Company "F", 34th NC Infantry. Abel was mortally wounded at Gaines' Mill on June 27, 1862, dying at Chimborazo Hospital in Richmond two days later. Marcus served for nearly another year until felled at Chancellorsville on May 1, 1863. Melvin, the youngest brother, did not enlist until April 20, 1864 and survived the war. Brother Albert Gantt served in Co. "C," 55th NC Infantry for over two years, moving to Texas after the surrender. Three of the Gantt brothers are buried in the Kadesh Methodist Cemetery in Cleveland County, NC.

DOA 4 7/8 x 3 7/8 in.

By direct descent from Confederate veteran Melvin Gantt of Belwood, NC

Some areas of emulsion and backing loss; the case loose with considerable wear to its leather sheathing; the subjects are clear with deep tonal contrasts. Overall good condition.

$1,500 - 2,500