Impressive English quarter-plate ambrotype of a police officer or military man.  He is wearing what appears to be silver-tinted Sergeant Stripes and has the number G 17 gold-gilded on the left side of his collar. There appear to be three letters on the right side of his collar, but only the last is visible and it is a C. This is quite a dynamic portrait. The gentleman is intimidating not only in size but also by the serious nature of his facial expression. We are sure not many questioned his authority! The photographer has added to this powerful portrait by posing him perfectly upright in a small chair and appears to have been shooting upward towards his subject for a more dynamic effect. A hint of blue solarization lends an interesting sky effect. The image is in very good condition with very nice tones and contrast. There are a few minor spots seen at an angle where the black backing is missing. The plate has an old full back seal which we left intact and there are some remnants of an English newspaper on top of the backing.  It is housed in a half hanging case. This was purchased separately with lot 27 and 34 from the same English dealer but whether they are related in anyway is unknown. 
$100