[CIVIL WAR]. A group of 7 CDVs of Civil War-era boys in uniform.
Sale 961 - American Historical Ephemera & Photography
Nov 30, 2021
10:00AM ET
Online / Cincinnati
Estimate
$250 -
$350
Sold for $219
Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium
Lot Description
[CIVIL WAR]. A group of 7 CDVs of Civil War-era boys in uniform.
Standing portrait of a young boy identified as Robert A. Colt. Pittsfield, MA: R.H. Dewey, [1862]. Imprint to verso. Inscription dated 1862 identifies the subject. -- And 6 others. Together, 7 albumen CDVs on cardstock mounts, condition generally good to very good, 3 with clipped corners. . Photographer imprints include: Albion, NY: George P. Hopkins; New York: Hallett; New York: Vaughan's Gallery; Po'Keepsie, NY: C. Gullmann; N.p." J.H. Simkins.
An early war array of seven different young boys captivated by the prevailing martial spirit in the North by dressing in military uniforms. The youngsters are literally playing army for the camera. The advent of the Civil War ignited a palpable sense of patriotism among the population with boys seeking to emulate their older brothers and fathers now in uniform and marching to Bull Run. The lads owed their unique military costume to their well-to-do urban parents able to afford the expense of tailoring the necessary trifles recorded by these photographs. The phenomenon was short-lived and largely concentrated in the larger cities and towns along the east coast. It would soon dissipate as the clash of arms brought casualties that displaced the fervent patriotic sentiment with an uglier reality of a long war. Emphatically, these children are not regimental drummer boys or even cadets, a common but false description rooted in fantasy. The military costumes run the gamut from New York militia grey to army blue interspersed with some Zouave stylings.
The Richard B. Cohen Civil War Collection
Condition Report
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to
age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and
restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition
they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make
no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind
as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue
description or a condition report shall not amount to a full
accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Hindman
staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the
Department prior to bidding.
The absence of a posted condition report on the Hindman website or
in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an
item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for
inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect
the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have
requested, received and understood any condition report provided
by Hindman.
Please email conditionreports@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.