Description:

Abraham Lincoln
n.p., ca. 1860s
Stunning John Wilkes Booth CDV
CDV

Carte de visite of John Wilkes Booth, the infamous assassin of President Abraham Lincoln. The image shows Booth seated in a formal studio portrait, wearing a patterned vest and buttoned coat. The lower margin of the card is clearly printed "J. WILKES BOOTH." The CDV is printed on period cardstock and exhibits minor foxing and soft corner wear, consistent with mid-19th century photographic materials. The reverse bears a handwritten notation reading "Gutman 17," referencing the famed Lincoln and Booth photograph historian, Lloyd Ostendorf and R.L. Gutman's classification system. Measures 2.5" x 4".

John Wilkes Booth (1838-1865) was a prominent actor and Confederate sympathizer whose name is forever etched in American history as the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln. On April 14, 1865, just days after the end of the Civil War, Booth shot Lincoln at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., in an attempt to revive the Confederacy. Booth, part of a broader conspiracy, fled and was killed twelve days later during a standoff with Union troops. Prior to this infamous act, Booth had enjoyed a successful stage career and was well-known across the country. Original photographs of Booth, especially pre-assassination studio portraits, are highly sought after due to their historical gravity and rarity.

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: 2.5" x 4"
  • Medium: CDV

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January 7, 2026 10:00 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000