Lot 471
[CIVIL WAR]. A group of 10 CDVs of Special Agents of the US Treasury stationed in Paris. Paris, France: Ulric Grob, [ca 1860s].
Sale 1005 - American Historical Ephemera & Photography
Lots Open
Mar 1, 2022
Lots Close
Mar 8, 2022
Timed Online / Cincinnati
Estimate
$350 - $550

Sold for $219

Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium
Lot Description
[CIVIL WAR]. A group of 10 CDVs of Special Agents of the US Treasury stationed in Paris. Paris, France: Ulric Grob, [ca 1860s].

Composite CDV featuring portraits of 14 Treasury Agents, taken the 4th of July 1863 (one day after Gettysburg, although they would not have gotten the news yet). 

[With:] 2 CDVs with manuscript inscriptions, first "E. Leuchtenrath to his good friend John H. Wray, Paris Febr. 1864." Second with "E. Leuchtenrath to his friend John H. Wray Paris June 62." A third CDV also shows Leuchtenrath, but is not inscribed by him. The US Congressional Record notes that E. Leuchtenrath was a Special Agent of the US Treasury during the Civil War stationed in Paris, France. Leuchtenrath was apparently stationed there because he was keeping an eye on exports of Wine and Champagne from Paris. The exports of the vineyards were being undervalued by the exporters to cut US tax revenues since the taxes were based on a percent of the value.

[With:] CDV that appears to show J.A. Connor. -- CDV showing the person in the upper right of composite CDV, possibly A. De Feyster(?). -- 4 CDVs showing the same gentleman in a top hat - front, back, seated, and a traditional head and shoulders portrait. Identified on the composite as John H. Wray, who was a Special Agent of the US Treasury. (left side, 4th row).

Consignor relates that this group of CDVs may have come from a family album previously owned by John H. Wray.

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.