Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

Spring Photographic History Auction

Sat, May 3, 2025 01:00PM EDT
  2025-05-03 13:00:00 2025-05-03 13:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : Spring Photographic History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/spring-photographic-history-auction-19217
Raw, rare, and unforgettable—this is 19th- and early 20th-century photography at its best. Vernacular portraits, Native American warriors, African American resilience, Mormon pioneers, Western frontier families, and stark post-mortem scenes. Daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, tintypes, CDVs, and cabinet cards that capture real life without filters. Every image tells a story of survival, pride, and change. A museum-worthy collection for those who know real American history when they see it.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 260

Eight Civil War General CDVs with Assorted Backmarks

Estimate: $300 - $500
Starting Bid
$150

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$200 $20
$320 $30
$380 $20
$420 $30
$480 $20
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$3,200 $300
$3,800 $200
$4,200 $300
$4,800 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$32,000 $3,000
$38,000 $2,000
$42,000 $3,000
$48,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
$200,000 $20,000
$320,000 $30,000
$380,000 $20,000
$420,000 $30,000
$480,000 $20,000
$500,000 $50,000
Group of eight original carte de visite portraits featuring notable Union generals of the Civil War, each identified and showing various poses, uniforms, and photographic backmarks from different regional studios. A strong variety of subjects with both lesser-seen and prominent figures.

Included are images of General William Tecumseh Sherman, known for his infamous March to the Sea; General Ormsby M. Mitchel, the astronomer and general who died of yellow fever in 1862; General John A. Logan, later a political figure and national champion of Memorial Day; General William Rosecrans, noted for his early Union victories in the Western Theater; and General James B. McPherson, the highest-ranking Union officer killed in action during the war. Also included are portraits of General Ulysses S. Grant, future 18th President of the United States; General George G. Meade, the victor at Gettysburg; and General Robert C. Schenck, a diplomat and congressman.

Several cartes are backmarked by noteworthy photographers and publishers, including H.A. Balch of Memphis, Charles Taber of Massachusetts, C.C. Giers of Nashville, and R.W. Addis of McClees Gallery in Washington, D.C. One example bears a revenue stamp on the verso. A few have manuscript identifications and period notations, such as "Gen. McPherson KIA" and detailed location info for Mitchel.

A solid group representing key figures in the Union command, ideal for collectors of Civil War photography or those assembling a visual roster of wartime leadership. Condition generally very good with some light wear and scattered soiling; all retain strong image clarity.

Available payment options

PayPal

Spend $500 or more at our two day auction and all of your SHIPPING IS FREE, buyers to pay insurance if they want it.