Civil War sixth plate Ambrotype Photograph depicting Thomas R. Shields of Natchez, Mississippi, CSA, seated and holding his sword. Scalloped decorative gilt mat enclosed in half of a leather union case. Overall: 3 3/4" x 3". Thomas R. Shields, older brother of Bisland Shields (whose photographic portrait is also in this auction), was listed as a private in 1861 in the Natchez Light Infantry (source: the Natchez Democrat, Nov. 30,1861). He was born 1833 in Terrebonne Parrish, Louisiana, to Thomas Rodney Shields Sr. and Martha Jane Lenora Shields. He married Maria Payne in 1857 and the couple had two children. He survived the war and is listed in the 1870 census as a dry goods merchant, living in his father in law's household. He died in 1873 of unknown causes and is buried in Jefferson County, Mississippi. 

The image is in very good condition with discoloration halo at edges of image and very minor scattered spots of discoloration due to oxidation throughout. Some wear to case. Lacking other half of union case.