Description:

Civil War
n.p., ca. 1865
Rare Civil War CDVs and Grant Stereoview - A Fantastic Collection!
CDV

A fantastic collection of some extremely rare and visually pleasing CDVs and a Grant stereoview, all featuring iconic Civil War generals and figures who each played a unique role in military strategy, battlefield leadership, and Union support. The CDVs measure approximately 2.5" x 4" while the stereoview measures 3.75" x 7." In fine condition.

1. Governor William Sprague – Carte de Visite (CDV)

CDV of Governor William Sprague of Rhode Island features him in a military-style cape and uniform, striking a relaxed yet confident pose. The image has a sepia tone, common for 1860s wartime photography. The reverse bears the backmark of Silsbee, Case & Co., Photographic Artists, Boston, along with a handwritten inscription identifying Sprague.

William Sprague IV (1830–1915) served as Governor of Rhode Island (1860–1863) and was a strong Union supporter during the Civil War. He personally led Rhode Island troops in early battles, including First Bull Run, and later served as a U.S. Senator. Known as the "War Governor", Sprague was a key figure in rallying Union support and played an important role in war financing.

2. Major General George Meade – Carte de Visite (CDV)

CDV portrait of Major General George G. Meade presents him in full military dress, wearing his double-breasted Union officer's coat with shoulder insignia. His stern expression and neatly groomed beard reflect the seriousness of command. The CDV features a decorative gold border, and the reverse contains handwritten notations identifying Meade, with the "Gihon & Rixon, Philadelphia" studio imprint.

George Gordon Meade (1815–1872) was a Union general best known for leading the Army of the Potomac to victory at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. Despite his pivotal role in turning the tide of the war, Meade was often overshadowed by Ulysses S. Grant, who was later appointed overall commander of Union forces. Meade remained a respected military leader throughout the war and later served in Reconstruction efforts.

3. Colonel Elmer Ephraim Ellsworth – Carte de Visite (CDV)

Rare CDV of Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth features him in an early-war uniform, standing in an outdoor setting next to a cannon and camp scene, evoking a romanticized wartime aesthetic. The photograph, taken by Gurney & Son, New York, has a handwritten date of 1860, making it an early wartime image. The reverse features an explanation card, detailing Ellsworth's death and his role as the first officer killed in the Civil War.

Elmer E. Ellsworth (1837–1861) was a close friend of Abraham Lincoln and a pioneering leader of the elite Zouave military movement. He was the first Union officer killed in the Civil War, shot while removing a Confederate flag from a building in Alexandria, Virginia. His death became a rallying cry for the North, and he was mourned as a martyr for the Union cause.

4. Brigadier General Thomas G. Stevenson – Carte de Visite (CDV)

CDV of Brigadier General Thomas G. Stevenson shows him standing in a formal indoor studio setting, dressed in a long military coat with sash and belt, with one hand resting on a chair. The composition reflects the refined yet authoritative demeanor of Civil War officers. The backmark indicates it was taken by J.W. Black, 163 Washington St., Boston, a well-known photographer of Union officers.

Thomas G. Stevenson (1836–1864) was a Union brigadier general from Massachusetts. He played a key role in the defense of Washington, D.C., and led forces in the Battle of Fredericksburg and the Siege of Charleston. He was tragically killed at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in 1864, marking another loss of a promising young leader in the Union Army.

5. Major General Quincy Adams Gillmore – Carte de Visite (CDV)

This CDV of Major General Quincy A. Gillmore presents him in an elaborate military dress uniform, complete with epaulets and a distinctive hat, a rare depiction compared to standard Union portraits. His confident pose, with one hand resting on the hilt of his sword, conveys his stature as a senior officer. The backmark reveals a European studio influence, with imprints from a London and Paris-based photography firm.

Quincy A. Gillmore (1825–1888) was a Union general and expert in military engineering, best known for his successful siege of Fort Pulaski in 1862 using advanced rifled artillery. Later, he led operations against Charleston, bombarding Fort Sumter and making significant contributions to Union siege warfare. His innovations in military engineering and artillery tactics had a lasting impact on warfare strategy.

6. Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant, Wife, and Son – Civil War Stereoview

Original Civil War-era stereoview captures Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant seated outside his headquarters at City Point, Virginia, alongside his wife, Julia Grant, and their son, Jesse Grant. Grant, dressed in full military uniform, sits in a formal wooden chair with one leg crossed, while young Jesse leans against the armrest. Julia Grant stands in the doorway, slightly turned toward her husband and son. The stereoscopic format, designed for 3D viewing with a stereoscope, creates a dual-image effect, enhancing depth perception. The orange border is labeled "The War for the Union – Photographic History," indicating its inclusion in a documentary war series. The reverse of the card is marked "WAR VIEWS, No. 3399," identifying the scene and crediting Mathew Brady, the renowned "Government Artist" known for his iconic Civil War photography. Published by John C. Taylor of Hartford, Connecticut, this stereoview was part of a post-war collection distributing Brady's historic images.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 3.75" x 7"
  • Medium: CDV

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April 23, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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