I'll add just a bit more information that I uncovered since the original posting. This tintype, along with another of the same soldier, a painting of the soldier, a US Beltplate, and a set of lead knuckles were all included in a local estate sale. The sale was held a couple of weeks ago, and I was able to give all items a good looksee. Based on information provided from this forum, and a bit of research on the estate, I can offer the following.
The officer in the photo was Lt. John C. Hardy of Hoskin's Battery (Brookhaven Artillery), a unit that fought with distinction in the Confederate Army of Tennessee. The tintype I posted was indeed heavily damaged, and in fact during the estate sale, it shattered to the point that it was for all practical purposes ruined. Carl, if there is good news in this story, a high quality digital scan was made of the tintype before the auction began, so to some degree the image was preserved.
I was able to secure the US Beltplate - it is right in every regard, and has "Hardy" carved on the lead back. While there is no way to know it's origin, or if it was worn by Lt. Hardy, at least in my mind I am certain Lt. Hardy owned it during the CW - perhaps picking it up on a late war battlefield to replace his original belt plate. I was very pleased to add a rememberance of a local Confederate officer to my collection.
Thanks to all that posted a note, either on the forum or via personal message.