Civil War Ambrotype - Soldier Wearing Stable Frock Coat - Confederate?

Description

This is an original Civil War period ambrotype photo, with a gilt brass oval frame.  It is a seated young man wearing a light color (probably gray) military vest with standing collar (no lapels) and nine brass fly buttons.  His coat is very interesting.  It is a pre-Civil War to wartime Federal Army regulation three button white linen stable frock coat.  These were issued to enlisted mounted troops, probably including Southern State Militias, for wear as a fatigue coat while brushing horses, mucking out stalls, etc.  The coats had a roll collar and were loose fitting, something like a duster.  Being made of linen or canvas, they would have been washable and much easier to clean than a wool shell jacket.  A photo of a stable frock coat is included in the famous period photo series, where the same man is shown wearing each of the various Union Army enlisted uniforms.  I have seen one other Civil War photo of two soldiers wearing stable frocks.  The best evidence that the soldier in my ambrotype is not a Union cavalryman is his cap.  It is a civilian type all-cloth visor cap, with a rear flap turned up, and fastened in place at the front with a tie string. His cheeks are slightly tinted.  His trousers are very dark, and his left hand is holding something I can't identify.  The photo is clear and excellent.  I have owned this photo since the 1970s.  Please see my other auctions for more items from my 60+ year military collection.
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