Ambrotype?

[Maximus71]

Found this from a Google search, could be the same man? Although I have yet to find a connection of that name to the civil war. But the sleuthing continues!!

 

[Maximus71]

I'm also considering the possibility that the case and the photo were married and not original to each other. Alot can happen in 160 years!

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

First impulse was to say no but I'm not so sure. The Find a Grave image seems to depict a longer face, learned not to trust the camera sometimes though. Angle of the lens, etc. can lead your eye astray, you know? What's striking is the beard beginning right under his lip? Men tended to not change their beard styles very much.

@John Hartwell , you're awfully familiar with Mass. and the war- somewhere to look further into records?

 

[Maximus71]

Thank you for all for helping, another thing to consider is how different a person can look pre war compared to post war , Lincoln for example. I feel part of this will stay a mystery

 

[John Hartwell]

The only John Mosher in Mass. records is a John M. Mosher of New Bedford. Served 2 enlistments: Private, Co. E, 3rd Mass (9 months, 1862-3), and 1st Sergeant, 26th Unattached Co., militia (coastal defense, enl. Dec. '64 for 1 year, disch. May '65). I tried some spelling variations, without result.

 

[Fairfield]

I'd check to see what some of the genealogical sites say about dating old photographs. Genealogists often date the subjects by the type of photo. They also study the type of clothing and any accessories. Maureen Taylor ("PhotoDetective") https://maureentaylor.com/ is one of the better known.

 

[Maximus71]

Do they look like brothers? Listed as the brother of a man with the same name as my guy.

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

I'll get in trouble for saying this but yes, they do. I realize it's just not possible to ascertain vis images and seems a vast leap- seems to me visual patterns count if that makes sense. I'd get more into why they seem related but it'd take awhile.

Find a Grave image feels slightly pre-war, btw? Only around since 1855 so I realize that's a stretch- something just feels like it, that's all. Men's clothing is tough- men tended to not hugely follow fashion, you hear of them being buried in the same suit in which they were married. Used to think neck wear would help narrow things down then got a look at Lincoln's progression. Same pointy-ended, flat bow tie for most images- maybe a smaller version during the war years.

 

[Johnny_Reb_1865]

Great news guys!!!! I gently pryed the photo out and there is writing on the backing paper!!! I can make out the date of May 7 1856. Also the name John, I took the best photos I could hoping you guys can help or guess at what the rest says, very exciting find for me!!!!

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Ha! Congratulations you have a photograph with an ID!

 

[Johnny_Reb_1865]

So what do we think his name was?