CampSite Artifacts  ·

Here is a Nice Actual Period Photo Cdv of Confederate General Robert E. Lee ! This is one of three views of General Lee believed to have been taken “In The Field” sometime between September, 1862, and May, 1863. Once thought to have been taken by the Bendann Brothers of Baltimore, more recently the images have been attributed to photographers Minnis & Cowell of Richmond, Virginia. This Cdv has one small black spot on the image but not on the general, as well as staining on the mount. The mount has also been trimmed at top. General Lee’s image itself is focused with good clarity though the contrast is a little light. There is almost a light in his eyes and you can see the top edge of his coat is turned back under his buttons. Bottom of the mount has “ GEN’L R.E. LEE” printed on it. The reverse shows a stamped attribution of, “ Wm. F. Richstein The Monumental Book Store, 178 W. Balto St., Baltimore,” in an oval with a monument in the center. This mark is seen on quite a few Confederate Cdvs including Albert Sidney Johnston, John Singleton Mosby, and others. As I mentioned in the description of the other R.E. Lee Cdv I have for sale, I once sold a “minty” example of this exact image and backmark for $700. However, this example is far from minty, and is priced much nicer. If you want a real image of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, and not an engraving, without spending a thousand bucks, this one may be for you !

         $235 plus shipping

         NEW !

Here is a Fine 1863, Cdv, depicting Lincoln’s “Emancipation Proclamation.” It shows Lady Liberty in the center, flag behind her, and she is unrolling a scroll in her hand. She is flanked on either side by a young black man and woman, and in the left background is a cannon. At the bottom is the simple title, “EMANCIPATION”, and the publisher’s, John Sowle, of Boston, copyright information. It says, “Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863 . . . etc.” The reverse is blank. Image is nice, clear, and well focused, and mount appears to be lightly trimmed along the left edge. An Unusual and Fine Displaying Civil War Period Cdv !

        $65 plus shipping

Here is an Extremely Uncommon Civil War Period Cdv View of The Battle of Pilots Knob, Missouri ! I say “extremely uncommon” because in thirty-five years of collecting, attending shows, and dealing, I have never seen this one before. The image is actually a photo of a painting, and fairly accurately depicts the battle in progress. In the foreground you can see the town of Pilot Knob, and looking south a tiny bit, near the center is Fort Davidson. On the right is Shepherd's Mountain where the Confederates had artillery, and you can see smoke rising from the mountain. On the left is the knob and there also appears to be smoke rising near the base. The title at middle center says, “Battle of Pilot Knob Missouri, Fought September 27^th, 1864.” Under that is small print that is difficult to make out, though I can see something to the effect that the painting was in honor of Major James Wilson, who with several of his men, was killed as a prisoner, just a few days after the battle.

The image is a tiny bit out of focus, but still has contrast good enough to make out most of the important detail. There are a few areas of staining, but nothing that keeps you from seeing it fully. Mount shows a period double gold line border and a couple of curled corners, but is still stout. The reverse is blank with no photographer’s imprint, and areas of staining. I could not find a similar example of this painting or image anywhere on the internet, and suspect it may be even more RARE than I know. A Rare Period Cdv Image of the Battle of Pilot Knob, Missouri !

        $150 plus shipping

Here is an Excellent Full Length Cdv Vignette View of U.S. Major General John Charles Fremont ! Fremont was famous before the war as the “Pathfinder” who led several exploratory expeditions to the American West. Early in the war, while in charge of the Department of The West, and advancing toward SW Missouri, he declared martial law, and emancipated all the slaves of Missouri secessionists. Extremely unhappy with Fremont’s declaration, President Lincoln did not at the time wish to link the war with freeing the slaves, and asked Fremont to rescind the order. He would not do so, and Lincoln removed him from command, revoking the order himself. Fremont was sent to West Virginia, where he suffered defeat by Confederate General Stonewall Jackson in several engagements, during Jackson’s “Valley Campaign.” Resigning his command, shortly after reorganization, Fremont did not serve for the remainder of the war. Post war Fremont worked in railroads, and served as the territorial governor of Arizona.

General Fremont’s image shows him standing from the knees up, beside a column, in his Major General’s Uniform with his hands on the pommel of his fancy Field & Staff Sword. There is a dark area at the top of the column, and another small one at the bottom of his coat, but otherwise the image is reasonably clean. At bottom of the mount is printed, “Maj. Gen.l Fremont,” and it shows the typical period double gold line border, with nice corners. The reverse shows photographer’s imprint of, “Published by E. Anthony 501 Broadway New York – From Photographic Negative in Brady’s National Portrait Gallery.” A Fine Cdv Image of an Uncommon Western & Eastern General !

        $125 plus shipping

Here is Another Excellent Cdv Portrait by A.J. Riddle of Macon, Georgia, the only Southern Photographer who was ever Officially Employed by the Confederate Army, and the only photographer to take images of Andersonville Prison, while it was in operation ! The subject is a neatly dressed child looking over the back of a chair or lounge, and is well focused and clear. There is some minor staining, but not affecting the image itself. The mount shows corners trimmed to fit in an album and a double red line border. The reverse shows Riddle’s imprint which reads, “ From Riddle’s Gallery of Art, Macon, Georgia. The same “Riddle” who photographed the Maps for the Army of Tennessee, under “Old Joe.”

Andrew Jackson Riddle was a pre-war resident of Columbus, Georgia, and fairly prolific photographer, who enlisted with the South and fought as a private, until the Confederacy discovered his abilities as a photographer and artist. After that he was put to work making and photographing maps for the Army of Tennessee, in addition to taking the only known war photographs of Andersonville Prison, in August of 1864. Another Neat Georgia Cdv, taken by the Only Southern Photographer to have worked directly for the Confederate Army !

        $65 plus shipping

Here is a Neat Civil War Period or Just Post-War Period Cdv, Done by the Only Photographer to have Ever Taken War Date Pictures of Andersonville Prison, in Georgia ! The subject on the front is a well dressed young man, focused with good contrast. The mount is typical Civil War Period, with the double gold line border, and good corners, except for the top left which is very slightly trimmed. The reverse shows a fancy photographer’s imprint with spread wing eagle and the mark, “From Riddle’s Temple of Art, Macon, Ga. - The same “Riddle” who photographed the Maps for the Army of Tennessee, under “OLD JOE.”

Andrew Jackson Riddle was a pre-war resident of Columbus, Georgia, and fairly prolific photographer, who enlisted with the South and fought as a private, until the Confederacy discovered his abilities as a photographer and artist. After that he was put to work making and photographing maps for the Army of Tennessee, in addition to taking the only known war photographs of Andersonville Prison, in August of 1864. I have only ever had one other Cdv taken by Riddle and it was also a civilian. A Neat Georgia Cdv, taken by one of the few, if not the only Southern Photographer, to have worked directly for the Confederate Army !

        $65 plus shipping

Here is a Sharp Cdv Image of Confederate General Earl Van Dorn ! It is a fine engraving and probably the most commonly seen period image of Van Dorn. It has good contrast, with a soft focus, and only one dark vertical stain along the right lower edge that does not affect the subject. The mount shows nice sharp corners and a double red line border. There is no photographer’s imprint on the reverse though someone has written at the top in light pencil, “E. Van Dorn, C.S.A.”

A graduate of West Point, and career soldier, Van Dorn earned two brevet promotions during the Mexican War, and fought the Seminoles in Florida, before being regularly promoted to Major in 1860. He resigned his commission in 1861, to join the Confederate Army. After a series of appointments and commands, where he rose rapidly in rank to Major-General, in January, 1862, Jefferson Davis sent Van Dorn to Command the Trans-Mississippi Department. He Commanded the Confederate Army that fought at Pea Ridge, Arkansas, March 7^th & 8^th, 1862, subsequently retreating, and being moved east of the Mississippi River. Van Dorn suffered another defeat at the 2^nd Battle of Corinth, Mississippi, October 1st-5th, and then victories at Holly Springs, Mississippi, December 20^th, 1862, and Thompson’s Station, Tennessee, March 5^th, 1863. General Van Dorn was shot dead by a jealous husband on May 7^th, 1863, near Spring Hill, Tennessee, after allegedly having an affair with the man’s wife. A Nice Civil War Period Cdv Image of Confederate General Earl Van Dorn !

        $75 plus shipping

Here is a Very Fine Cdv of Confederate Major General Albert Sydney Johnston ! Johnston fought for the Republic of Texas in the late 1830s, for the United States during the Mexican War, and finally for the Confederate States until April 6th, 1862, when he was killed at the Battle of Shiloh, Tennessee. I believe his history is quite well known, so I won’t go into detail. The Cdv is a period retouched photo and in excellent condition. The mount has good corners and a double gold line border, with an “E. Anthony 501 Broadway, N.Y.” imprint at the bottom, and an 1862 date. The image is clear with good contrast and little to no staining. The reverse shows only where someone noted Johnston’s name in pencil. A Great Displaying Cdv image of Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston !

        $100 plus shipping

Here is a Nice Cdv View, of the Civil War Period General Post Office in Washington D.C. ! Construction of the building was completed in 1842, and it served as a Post Office thru the Civil War and up until 1897. Afterwards used by various federal departments, the building which occupies an entire city block, still stands today, though it has become a hotel.

The Cdv is typical Civil War Period, on a mount with double gold line borders, and trimmed at one end, likely to fit in an album. The image is clear and well focused with a minimum of staining, and depicts the building from a distance off one corner. Most of the building itself is visible, as are the trees and streets around it. There is a wagon stopped on the street to the right, with a man standing behind it, and a couple of other people visible, a lady walking towards the building, and a man facing the fence near the corner. The reverse shows no photographer’s imprint, but does have a pencil ID of “Post Office South Front,” with the word “Patent” scratched out. A Nice Civil War Period Image of the General Post Office in Washington D.C. !

         $59 plus shipping

Here is a Hard to Find Cdv Image of US Major Charles Zagonyi ! Born in Hungary, Zagonyi served in the Hungarian Army prior to immigrating to the United States in 1851. At the beginning of the American Civil War in 1861, Zagonyi offered his services to Major General John Fremont in St. Louis. With the rank of major he commanded Fremont’s personal bodyguard of Hussars. At the first Battle of Springfield, Missouri, on October 25^th, 1861, Major Zagonyi lead a charge by his Hussars and some other troops, all totaling about 300 men, against over a thousand Confederates near the town. Suffering close to one third casualties, Zagonyi and his men routed the Confederates but could not hold the town. “Zagonyi’s Charge” impressed General Fremont and was widely covered in period newspapers. When Fremont resigned just a short time later, Zagonyi also left the army. Re-joining Fremont to fight in the Valley Campaign of Virginia in 1862, including Cross Keys & Harrisonburg, Zagonyi disappeared from army life after that.

Major Zagonyi’s Cdv is in very good condition, his image crisp and clear. The studio view is full standing with the major staring at the camera, hat in hand, and sword on his side. There is some very minor staining but nothing that detracts from the image. The corners of the mount have been rounded, likely to fit in an album. Bottom of the mount shows a name in pencil, possibly someone Major Zagonyi intended to give the image to, but I cannot completely make it out. What’s there looks like, “Col. Aheley”. The reverse shows photographer’s imprint of, “Published by E. & H.T. Anthony No. 501 Broadway, New York, From Photographic Negative in Brady’s National Portrait Gallery.” A Fine Example of an Uncommon Union Officer’s Cdv with a Missouri Connection!

            $149 plus shipping

Here is a Nice Civil War Period Cdv of U.S. General Joseph Hooker ! A West Point graduate, Hooker served thru most of the war. He fought at Williamsburg, Virginia, where he got the nickname, “Fighting Joe”, and later commanded two corps at Fredericksburg, Virginia. He is probably best known for his failure as the Commander who Confederate General Robert E. Lee defeated at Chancellorsville, though he also achieved some victories such as the Battle of Lookout Mountain.

The Cdv depicts General Hooker seated, from the waist up in his uniform, and shows good clarity and focus. A couple of minor stains are present but nothing serious. The mount shows the typical period double gold line borders, and corners that have been trimmed, likely to fit in an album. The reverse shows a photographers credit of, “E & H T Anthony New York – From Photographic Negative in Brady’s National Portrait Gallery,” along with the remnants of an orange tax stamp. Just a Nice Displaying Period Cdv of “Fighting Joe Hooker.”

        $85 plus shipping

Here is a Fine Cdv Image of U.S. Lieutenant General Winfield Scott ! I don’t think there are many Civil War enthusiasts who aren’t familiar with General Scott. First commissioned into the U.S. Army in 1808, Scott had a long career that spanned the War of 1812, The Blackhawk War, The Mexican-American War, The Seminole War, and briefly, the beginning of the Civil War. He developed the “Anaconda Plan” to shut the South off from the outside world.

Scott is seated, in his dress uniform with epaulets, holding a very fancy officer’s sword. The image is clear and focused though contrast is a bit light. Below the image on the mount is his title,”Lieut. Gen’l Scott” and Mathew Brady’s 1861, Copyright notice. The reverse shows a blue photographer’s credit of, “Published by E. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York. From Photographic Negative From Brady’s National Portrait Gallery.” A Fine Cdv of the General who Commanded the Entire U.S. Army at the start of the Civil War !

         $85 plus shipping

Here is a Fine Cdv Image of U.S. General Ambrose Burnside ! A West Point graduate, Burnside served a few years on the western frontier, before resigning to start his Burnside Rifle Company, manufacturing the new breech loading carbine he designed. Living in Rhode Island at the beginning of the Civil War, Burnside raised a regiment of infantry, the 1^st Rhode Island Volunteers, and received appointment as the colonel. Rising in rank rapidly, after his victories at Roanoke Island and New Bern, North Carolina, Burnside was promoted to Major General. At the Battle of Antietam, he struggled for hours to get his 12,500 men over a small stone bridge which is known today as “Burnside’s Bridge.” At the disastrous Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia, in December of 1862, Burnside commanded the entire Army of The Potomac, suffering over 12,000 casualties. Relieved of command of the Army shortly thereafter, Burnside continued to serve, fighting at The Wilderness, Spotsylvania Courthouse, Cold Harbor, & Petersburg, resigning from the army in 1865. After the war, Burnside had a considerable political career, and served briefly as the Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. His unusual side whiskers gave rise to the term, Side Burns.

Burnside’s Cdv is finely focused with good contrast, the General posed from the waist up in his Brigadier General’s coat. There are the usual small stains with several at the bottom left on his coat, but all are minor and do not detract from the image. The mount has been slightly trimmed at all four corners likely to fit in an album, and bears a gold line border. The reverse shows photographer’s imprint of; “Cartes De Visite D. Appleton & Co. 443 & 445 Broadway N.Y. A.A. Turner Photographer,” with a crest in the center. About as Fine and Well Focused a Cdv of General Ambrose Burnside as you will see !

      $85 plus shipping

            General Thomas’ Carte De Visite is in good condition with some minor stains but none affecting the subject. His image is a bust shot centered in an oval with him staring determined into the camera. The top of his double breasted coat and buttons are visible, as are the stars on his shoulder rank straps. Though the image is a bit light, it is well focused with fair contrast. The mount has the double gold line borders around the edge and has never been trimmed. The reverse shows a blue 2-cent proprietary stamp covering an unknown photographer’s imprint, and a penciled ID of “Gen. George Thomas.” A Nice Period Cdv image of an important western theater Union General.

                           $75  plus shipping    SOLD