Collection of 3 studio portrait albumen CDVs. Washington, D.C.: G. W. Casilear, [circa 1863-5]. Period ink and pencil identifications to mount versos read: "Frederick Cummings [Chummings], Co. C 2nd NY Mtd Rifles" and "2nd NY Mounted Rifles."

The 2nd New York Mounted Rifles (also known as the Governor's Guard) had a diverse service record, often serving as dismounted cavalry or "mounted infantry" during the grueling final campaigns in Virginia. It was one of several cavalry units to catch Rick Carlile's eye while he was building his legendary collection. This is likely because it experienced a profound transformation of its service in 1864, when horse shortages forced the men to dismount and operate as "shock troops" in some of the hardest fighting of Grant's overland campaign. That is not what the men signed up for when they enlisted in Buffalo and surrounding areas.

The lot includes the following three CDVs:

1. Frederick Cummings (Co. C, 2nd NY Mtd Rifles): A full-length study of a youthful soldier. Sharp view of his saber and belt plate against the scenic camp backdrop, featuring a bold, flourish-filled ink signature on the verso. 

2. Armed Trooper with Revolver: A full-length standing study. An exceptionally well-armed appearance, with the subject brandishing both a large-frame revolver and a cavalry saber while wearing a bowler-style hat.

3. Trooper in Slouch Hat: A full-length standing study. Provides a gritty contrast to the standard forage cap, showing the soldier in a wide-brimmed slouch hat with his hand resting on his saber hilt.

A compelling feature of this lot is the use of the exact same painted studio backdrop across all three sittings. This indicates that these men probably visited the same gallery — likely that of G.W. Casilear's in Washington, D.C. — during their service. The backdrop, with its romanticized view of a Union camp, was a popular choice for soldiers wanting to send a "military" likeness home to their families in Buffalo.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Photography, Early Photography, Historic Photography, Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Tintypes, Cased Images, Union Cases, Albumen Photographs, CDVs, Carte de Visites, Cartes de Visite, Carte-de-visite, Cartes-de-visite, CDV, Cabinet Cards, Stereoviews, Stereocards]

The images are in generally good to excellent condition, featuring strong tonal contrast and sharp detail across the three subjects. The Cummings mount exhibits period-clipped corners, while all three cards remain structurally sound with clear, legible identifications. The albumen surfaces show only typical minor age-related toning.