Relics of the American West: 1850-1920
Lot 2147:
Description
This fascinating three-piece assembly is a prime example of mid-to-late 19th-century military portraiture. As a seasoned collector, I find the Carte de Visite (CDV) of Union General Benjamin Franklin “Beast” Butler particularly compelling, capturing the controversial Massachusetts leader in full regulation uniform. Accompanying this is a sharp CDV of a bearded Union soldier produced by the “O’Neil & Kidder” studio in Northampton, Massachusetts. The centerpiece of the group is a large cabinet card depicting a formal company of soldiers in formation, bearing the imprint of “H.E. Nelson” from Milford, Massachusetts. These artifacts are rendered on their original cardstock mounts, showcasing the transition from intimate personal portraits to larger-format group photography. The items show age-appropriate wear including minor foxing, toning, and soft corners on the mounts, though the General Butler portrait remains remarkably crisp. Cabinet Card: H 8″, W 10″, D 0.1″; CDVs: H 4″, W 2.5″, D 0.05″. Please see photos for condition.
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