Haunting 1860s Sixth Plate Ambrotype of Headless Civil War Soldier antique bank so finely woven of bear

so finely woven of bear grass and cedar bark--and this is a lovely example in great condition

What a lot of work

They are in good shape

3" tall x 2

November 12

Haunting 1860s Sixth Plate Ambrotype of Headless Civil War Soldier antique bank so finely woven of bearA very dark thing for certain, and to me quite a poignant one. I believe this is an ambrotype, and certainly its is a Civil war soldier in Union uniform captured in the image, whose head, through some combination of damage and the effects of time, I assume just chance occurrence, appears transformed into a cloud of smoke. About as haunting a portrait, and portrait of the effects of war, as I might imagine. Sold as found in case (missing opposite side)