Ambrotypes were unique photographs, first introduced in 1851 with the invention of collodion glass plate negatives. When a wet-plate negative was viewed against a black ground, tonalities reversed and the negative image then appeared as positive. Special toning made the denser parts of the silver image appear a light gray color and the black backing made the more transparent parts—those with little exposure, appear dark. The glass was then framed in a metal window and binding that held the glass and backing. It was then usually placed in a small case. This case has been lost. 

Many soldiers in the Civil War had their photographs taken as soon as they enlisted and received their uniforms. They wanted to leave a portrait with their families. It was not uncommonly their first portrait. Usually, they commissioned a tintype or a paper photograph which were cheaper and sturdier processes, especially if the image was to be mailed. Ambrotypes, being of glass, were the most fragile, and therefore, selected less often.