Collection of 3 studio portrait albumen CDVs. Buffalo, New York: various photographers including G. W. Casilear, [circa 1863-5]. Period ink and pencil identifications to mount versos read: "R. F. Whitney / Co. G 2nd NY Mtd Rifles," "Gottfried Schramm / 2nd NY Mtd Rifles," and "A. H. Doty." One example with a 3-cent green Washington proprietary revenue stamp to mount verso.

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. R. F. Whitney (Co. G, 2nd NY Mtd Rifles): A full-length study. Sharp view of his saber and belt plate against the scenic camp backdrop, featuring a bold signature on the verso.

2. Gottfried Schramm (2nd NY Mtd Rifles): A full-length standing study. Detailed view of the cavalry shell jacket and high boots, identified via research notations on the mount.

3. A. H. Doty (2nd NY Mtd Rifles): A full-length standing study. Holds his forage cap in one hand and his saber in the other. 

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 Whitney mount exhibits period-clipped corners, while all three cards remain structurally sound with clear, legible identifications. Typical minor age-related toning and light surface wear consistent with 19th-century handling are present, though the subjects remain clear and well-defined.