This is a rare WWI memento -- an age-worn original photo of an African American soldier. It's in its original, painted tin frame.

I acquired this compelling photo from a local auction (Richmond, Va.).

All of the details of the soldier and the photo's setting are intriguing--  Is that a quilt on the floor, or maybe patterned linoleum? And there's a faint impression to the left of the soldier of the corpse of a small butterfly. The backdrop is a quaint painting showing the US Capitol Building with swans in its reflecting pool.

The solemnly saluting soldier is wearing a dress uniform with fitted coat, leather belt, jodphur pants and black leather, lace-up boots. His cap has a shield-shaped brass badge that I've not been able to identify.

Possibly, this young man was a member of the Harlem Hellfighters, the nickname of 369th Infantry Regiment (originally 15th New York (Colored) Infantry Regiment) during World War I.

The photo is in poor condition, as shown. And yet retains its thought provoking quality.

The frame is painted to resemble walnut wood, brown with a slight grain pattern.
5.25 x 7.25 inches
Glass included.