CABINET CARDS
265. A rare cabinet card by M.P. Rice, 1891 copyright in image with detailed legend printed on mount. “From the only original unretouched negative, made in 1864, at the time he commissioned General U.S. Grant Lieut. General of all the Armies of the Republic. It was made in commemoration of that event.” Light dampstain along right edge and bottom of mount detracts little; every wrinkle around Lincoln’s exhausted eyes discernible. An important pose difficult to source. (Est. $600-800)
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266. Scarce Robert Todd Lincoln cabinet card photograph, Mason, NY front imprint. This rare image of Lincoln’s eldest son was taken while Secretary of War in the Garfield administration. A fine image that rarely, if ever, appears on the market. (Est. $400-$500)
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267. Rare cabinet card photograph of future President Benjamin Harrison as Brigadier General during the Civil War! This scarce image shows Harrison in full uniform in 1865. He is wearing a black mourning arm-band as this image was taken shortly after the assassination of President Lincoln. Published by A.M. Dudley, Salem, Mass., issued during the presidential campaign of 1888 promoting Harrison’s service during the Civil War and his reverence to the Great Emancipator – a fellow Republican. In virtually mint condition, a tremendous rarity! (Est. $600-800)
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268. A Mathew Brady photograph of Lincoln’s Attorney General, Edward Bates, on board by L. Handy. A fine, vignetted study. Handy, Brady’s nephew, took over the gallery upon the death of his uncle… continuing to print photographs from the original negatives under his own studio name. A nice card that is certainly quite scarce. (Est. $80-100)
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269. Two (2) Gettysburg battlefield images published by John C. Taylor, Hartford, CT, albumens printed from Brady’s original negative. Used in Brady’s War For The Union series, 3 1/2″ X 3 7/8″, similar in format to Brady’s gallery card photographs. One is titled “Sugar Loaf Mountain, Gettysburg“. The view shows the battlefield, and two men sitting in a cart at the top center; the other is detailed as “Woods on the left wing, Battle of Gettysburg, in the middle ground a dead soldier.” The dead soldier is clearly seen in the lower middle portion of the image. Scarce studies with excellent tone and detail. (Est. $300-400)
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STEREOVIEWS
270. An extremely rare “War Views” stereoview on an orange mount, label titled on verso: “Maj. Gen. W.T. Sherman and Horse. This view was taken in the Trenches before Atlanta, Ga.” Minor mount nicks and typical filled-in fly-specks in background, exceptional condition. Great detail of the General and his steed! (Est. $300-500)
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An extremely rare photo of U.S. Grant in the field!
271. With 1864 copyright by Alex. Gardner, label-titled on verso: “Counsel of War at Massaponax Church, VA, 21st May, 1864. Gen Grant leaning over Gen. Meade, examining a map which had just been completed by the Topographical Engineers.” On tan mount, a bit light in the contrast as made, a fine and scarce study. (Est. $500-750)
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272. Another 1864 “Incidents of the War” stereoview, 1864, by Alex. Gardner, negative by T.H. O’Sullivan, published by Philp & Solomons, label-titled on verso: “Chief Officer and Clerks of Ambulance Department, 9th Army Corps., in front of Petersburg, August 21, 1864.” Two Black orderlies stand posed with the staff. Light, even age/foxing, still fine – and quite scarce. (Est. $400-600)
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273. R.E. Lee planned his campaign at Gettysburg here! 1865 Anthony copyright, “Negative by Brady & Co.,” titled on verso: “Gen. R. E. Lee’s Head Quarters, Gettysburg.” On flat, yellow mount, exceptionally rich, great detail , canceled revenue stamp. About as fine an example as found. (Est. $100-200)
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274. A great stereoview of Anderson Cottage, by Bell & Bros., Washington, on yellow mount. This was the summer home for the Lincolns 1862-4 and it was here that an assassination attempt occurred when Lincoln’s hat was shot off of his head one evening while approaching the gate. Light stains; still fine. (Est. $75-100)
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HARD IMAGES
A fabulous occupational daguerreotype!
275. An antebellum portrait of a stern-looking gentleman holding his horsewhip, seated next to his plow, straw hat in hand. A large, quarter-plate daguerreotype, tremendously clear and detailed, this is an exceptional example of mid-19th century photography. Housed in red cloth-lined, gutta-percha case, separated at spine, some tinting to the subject’s cheeks, quite fine. A masterpiece of early photography worthy of the most sophisticated collections. (Est. $7,500-10,000)
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276. Would you follow him into battle? A resolute looking Union 1st sergeant poses for the camera in this brass-matted quarter-plate tintype. This guy has, no doubt, seen a lot of action… most likely enlisting as a private and rising through the ranks. Perhaps he took the time to have his portrait made after getting his stripes, as there is an 1864 canceled revenue stamp affixed to back of plate. Gold details to buttons, another wonderful piece documenting one man’s service to his country. (Est. $200-300)
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277. Handsome sixth-plate tintype of a private wearing his regulation nine-button frock coat. Quite fine detail, gold accents to buttons, brass-matted. (Est. $100-200)
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278. A sensitive, quite evocative portrait: a slightly smaller than standard sixth-plate tintype of a Union soldier in his regulation frock coat, cheeks lightly washed in red, gold details added to his buttons. With the backdrop of a tent scene, there is a three-dimensional quality to this study. Most of these photographs are relatively flat… one is drawn in by the appearance of this handsome young man preparing to go off to war. Housed in a gutta-percha case, excellent. (Est. $200-300)
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279. Brass-matted, sixth-plate tintype of a Union gent pouring himself a glassful of whiskey! Scattered emulsion loss as shown, still a fun portrait. This clown decided to ham it up for the camera before leaving for the battlefield! (Est. $300-500)
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280. Stunning sixth-plate cased tintype of a young military muscian, housed in period case, separated at spine as usual, clean. This young cadet has a “C” emblazoned on his belt buckle, delicate red-tinting added to his cheeks, and wears an impressive uniform hat. A fine 19th century photograph. (Est. $100-150)
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281. Lovely, ninth-plate, double-sided thermo-plastic case by Littlefield, Parsons & Co. entitled “U.S.S. `Monitor’ at the Fort.” Cataloged by Kranik as scarce (Union Cases, 1988, #366). Two tiny chips barely noticeable, clasp loose with loss at outer edge but intact, houses two touching ambrotypes: a young soldier, cheeks lightly tinted, shell-jacket detailed with gold buttons, and a young woman, most likely his betrothed. A sweet presentation. (Est. $200-400)
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282. Brass-matted, cased ninth-plate of a Union line-officer. Some gold detailing to infantry insignia on kepi. Copy-images of this nature suggest he was most likely a casualty of war and they had but one image to share among family members. A striking study. (Est. $100-200)
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Look at that cockade!
283. Ninth-plate ambrotype of a Northerner proudly adorned with a patriotic cockade. The subject is believed to be from New Haven, CT (sourced from a local family). The plate has a thin, angled crack as shown but retains all of its presence and detail. A fine expression of Union support – no doubt as to his sympathies! (Est. $150-200)
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284. Given this “baby-face,” we really do mean “soldier boy.” A carte-matted tintype by A.E. Alden of New York City. This youngster is clearly an enlisted soldier, kepi and uniform, gun held proudly… but look at his face. He doesn’t look old enough (much less tall enough!) to march into battle. Soft in contrast, as the edge reveals this to be a photograph of a larger, framed portrait – we suspect made because no more were possible… this being his last sitting before dying in combat. This was typical at the time. A sad, quite telling photograph. (Est. $150-200)
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285. Lovely ninth-plate thermo-plastic daguerreotype case by Holmes, Booth, and Hayden (their label intact). Cataloged by Kranik as scarce (Union Cases, 1988, #367), a very clean example of “Profile of Liberty.” Hinges and clasp intact, rich brown color, void of any chips or significant faults. (Est. $100-200)
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LARGE FORMAT&
MISCELLANEOUS PHOTOGRAPHICA
286. A large mounted albumen featuring Naval Academy officers and recent graduates in Newport, RI. Note the cannon at top and the shot stacked at left. Measuring 15 3/4 x 13″ (sight), the photo is surrounded by a period, ornate, gilt-lined frame, 25.5 x 20″ overall. Fine condition. (Est. $400-600)
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They thwarted Pickett’s charge!
287. A wonderful, period albumen of a group of soldiers posed: “Camp of the 126th N.Y.S. Volunteers.” This wonderful, oval photograph is further detailed “At their last Encampment near Bailey’s Cross Roads, Va., June, 1865. Men represented, viz: Serg’t C. L. Shepard; Corp’ls Bateman, Moore and Crawford; Privates Brazee, Chambers, Eldridge, Gates, Springer, Warner and Scott.” The 126th New York saw considerable action including fighting at the center of the Union line that defended against Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg. Measuring 8 x 6″ and surrounded by gilt-lined mat and frame, 14.5 x 12″ overall. Excellent! (Est. $800-1,200)
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288. Fine mounted albumen by Brady from his famous “Incidents of War.” The photo, 12 1/2 x 8 1/2″, depicts Company I, 2nd Pennsylvania Artillery, commanded by Captain G.L. Brown, at Fort Slemmer near Washington. Originally, the War Department granted authority to recruit a battalion of heavy artillery, later extended to a regiment with 10 batteries or companies and designated the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery. Archivally mounted, the overall size is 20 x 16″. Very fine. (Est. $150-300)
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289. An original by Alexander Gardner: “Fortifications of Heights on Centreville, VA.,” a plate from Gardner’s Photographic Sketch Book of the War. After the battle of Bull Run, the Confederates erected massive earthworks stretching from Manassas to the ridge at Centreville. Measures 18 x 13″ overall, insignificant clips in corners, two-inch tear at right edge, lies flat. A significant period photograph. (Est. $300-500)
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290. A great 1864 West Point album leaf, 13 x 10,” with mounted albumen photos on each side. One features the West Point Band; the other side shows the U.S. Corps of Cadets standing in formation. Photos are by Warren, his imprint scratched into the Corps of Cadets negative. Great detail, rich contrast, exceptional images. (Est. $400-600)
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291. A wonderful Taylor & Huntington photograph from a Brady negative on a mount with ornate border, 11 x 9″ total. The photo is of Libby Prison in Richmond. Captioned “This is a view of the infamous Libby Prison, where so many of our Union soldiers suffered and starved during the war. It would take volumes to tell the story of Libby Prison. It was an old tobacco warehouse which the Rebels converted into a prison for Union soldiers. There is not a Grand Army Post through all our land but what has among its members some comrade who knows from experience just what a `hell hole’ this place was.” Verso contains a list of other Taylor & Huntington cards. Tiny holes in upper corners, else quite fine. (Est. $500-800)
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292. A panoramic mounted albumen of the Gettysburg battlefield, 9 1/2 x 7 3/4″, on a mount 12 x 10″ overall. Hand titled on verso, “View of Gettysburg in the distant, from `Culps Hill.’” Small loss to corners and bottom of board, minimal foxing at board bottom, photo is quite good. (Est. $100-300)
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293. Large format photograph of Edward Everett, Warren photographers imprint (Boston, Mass.). Edward Everett ran against Lincoln in the 1860 Presidential campaign, but is best known for giving a lengthy speech at the dedication at Gettysburg, a speech overshadowed by President Lincoln’s 5-minute speech. The piece measures a substantial 11″ X 14″, with oval image of Everett measuring 4 5/8″ X 5 7/8″. The image has excellent tone and detail, and is rarely seen in this large format. (Est. $200-$300)
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294. A large 16 1/2 x 13 1/2″ albumen, with mount, 21 x 18″ overall, and affixed label reading “George Distiller’s Brewery, Jamaica Turnpike, Cypress Hills, L.I., On the 15th Anniversary of Comp. H, 70. Regt., N.G.S.N.Y., Capt. Fr. Fries. Photographed by S. Spitzer, 358 Grand Str., Williamsburgh.” Note the hand-painted flag above the building and the side of the building has “George Distiller’s Brewery” painted on the side. Photo not only shows the former soldiers, but also associated women on the second floor and goat pulling a wagon on the far left. Under Daniel Sickles, the 70th Regt. New York was only mustered for three years, but it saw action at Williamsburg (330 killed, wounded or missing out of 700), Fair Oaks, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Some water stains at top of photo, border chips easily masked with new mount. (Est. $300-500)
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295. Group of five (5) large-format mounted studies by C.S. Cudlip of Washington, D.C. These circa 1890 photos, as with the following lot, detail Washington scenes with rich tone and detail, most with rubber-stamped titles on verso. Each measures 8 x 10″, exhibit some light wear/rubbing to mount and typical age to photos, but remain quite fine. This group includes: a street scene leading to the Capitol; “The Green Room, President’s House“; “State, War & Navy Depts.” (the building now known as the Old Executive Office Building which houses the office of the Vice President); the “President’s House“; and the U.S. Capitol. A nice group.
(Est. $300-400)
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296. A second group of five (5) large-format mounted photographs by C.S. Cudlip of Washington, D.C. Similar to preceding lot, this group includes: a “Bird’s Eye View of Washington“; “The East Room, President’s House“; the Treasury Dept.; the “President’s House” (a.k.a., the White House!) and the U.S. Capitol. (Est. $300-400)
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297. Inscribed from father to daughter… a great family-owned volume. Meserve, Frederick Hill, The Photographic Portraits of Abraham Lincoln. A Descriptive List of the Portraits in the Meserve Collection (Privately Printed, New York, 1941). 21 pages, #43 of 52 copies signed and numbered by Meserve. This copy has been inscribed “To my daughter Dorothy Meserve Kunhardt, Frederick Hill Meserve, New York, April 6, 1957.” A rare example of the follow-up to the 1911 work. Includes a beautiful silverprint from the original negative, with some transfer from the title page as shown. A lovely, scarce book. The volume is housed in an envelope with the penciled note: “This book given to me by Father on the 58th anniversary of his engagement to Mother.” (Est. $1,000-1,500)
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298. From the original negatives! Mathew Brady’s Great Americans. (Time-Life Books, 1976.) Housed in a decorated folding portfolio, First Edition, 12″ tall, one of 2,500 “deluxe, signed” editions. A portfolio of 10 photographs, taken by Mathew Brady, printed from the original glass negatives in the collection of Frederick Hill Meserve. SIGNED by his daughter, Dorothy Meserve Kunhardt, as trustee of the collection. Contained in a solander box, the covers of which replicate marbling with gilt stamping. Each image, approximately 3 x 5 inches in size, is tipped-onto an 8 x 10 heavy folded paper; each is blind stamped and hand-numbered and each contains a brief essay on the sitter. There is also an 8 x 10″ enlargement of Abraham Lincoln, which is one of the included photographs. The photographs are of Abraham Lincoln, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Samuel F.B. Morse, William Tecumseh Sherman, Henry Ward Beecher, Phineas Taylor Barnum, Edwin Thomas Booth, David Glasgow Farragut, Mary Todd Lincoln, and Oliver Wendell Holmes. Each photograph is protected with a tissue overlay. A lovely presentation. (Est. $150-200)
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299. An essential reference work! Charles Hamilton and Lloyd Ostendorf. Lincoln in Photographs: An Album of Every Known Pose. (University of Oklahoma Press, Norman: 1963.) 409p., a first edition, lacking d.j., owner’s bookplate, quite tight and clean. We remind all Rail Splitters of one simple fact: the first edition of this invaluable book reproduces the photographs with far more clarity and detail than the two later editions – which simply copied the plates after the originals were mistakenly discarded. (Est. $100-200)
300. A copy signed by the author! Similar to the preceding, this is one of the author’s 1985 signed/numbered editions of Lincoln in Photographs. Clean dustjacket, a fine volume, numbered #211 by Lloyd on title page. (Est. $100-200)
And… to accompany the previous lot, a quite scarce volume.
301. The Photographs of Mary Todd Lincoln, Lloyd Ostendorf. (IL State Historical Society, 1969.) 64pp., profusely illustrated, a similar all-encompassing study to that on her husband accomplished with the help of the late Charles Hamilton. A necessary addition to the reference shelf for those collecting images. Tight, clean, like new. (Est. $70-90)
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302. One of the best books to reproduce photographs of Lincoln: The Face of Lincoln. James Mellon. Bonanza Books, New York: 1979. Smaller format, 204pps., with lightly worn d.j., in acetate wrap, tight and clean. A necessary addition to your library… out of print and difficult to find. A nice copy. (Est. $70-90)
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303. Witness To An Era – The Life And Photographs Of Alexander Gardner, Mark D. Katz. (Viking, New York: 1991.) First edition with fine d.j., 305pp., profusely illustrated. Out of print, this wonderful study details the work of Mathew Brady’s assistant who then distinguished himself as a great photographer and historian. From the battlefields through chronicling Indians and the expansion of the railroads, Gardner saw – and photographed – it all. A fine, as-new copy. (Est. $75-100)
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One of ONLY three examples extant… graphic photo history!
304. Mathew Brady worked in three different New York City locations: 205 Broadway was his first studio, opened in 1844; his second gallery was “uptown” at 359 Broadway (that building remains standing, and, sadly, until fifteen years ago, one side still had a painted sign visible advertising Brady’s Gallery. A Korean merchant who purchased the building, never advised as to the significance of the sign, painted it over). Judging by the engraving here, his must have been quite extravagant, lavish galleries! This is an original invoice from Mathew Brady to Moses Yale Beach, founder of the Associated Press and Editor of the Sun, for “2 Ambrotypes at $6.00“, New York, November 28, 1857, 5 x 7 3/4”. We know that Brady used this same engraving to illustrate newspaper ads. However, an actual invoice from his studio remains unpublished. (No example found in the Brady collection at the National Portrait Gallery.) We know of one example in a private collection in New York and one owned by the New York Historical Society. A remarkable piece of photographica. (Est. $1,000-1,500)
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305. Period albumen, 3″ tall, housed in an ornate, carved hard-wood frame with swing-out stand affixed to back. A period, Victorian display piece that made a fitting tribute to the martyred president. Quite a handsome work, 4 1/2 x 7″ overall.
(Est. $500-700)
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