This exceptional 4-piece collection of CDVs features a magnificent array of candid, field, and dress portraits capturing members of the elite 7th New York State Militia (NYSM) during the historic opening months of the war. Boasting pristine material culture details, desirable field inscriptions, and legendary studio links, this grouping stands as a spectacular testament to the iconic "Silk Stocking" Regiment. The lot includes:

1. 7th NYSM Campaign Infantryman: Full-length standing studio portrait albumen CDV. Washington, D.C.: Mathew Brady, [ca. April-May 1861]. A flawless, razor-sharp study of a volunteer in the classic light gray chinchilla-cloth uniform coat with dark trim and matching forage cap. Captured in heavy marching order on Brady's diamond-patterned studio floor, he carries his packed knapsack with a tightly rolled woolen blanket high on his shoulders, slung canvas canteen, and crossed white canvas crossbelts. He stands at attention holding his long-rifled musket vertically before him. The lower front margin carries a crisp Brady, Washington imprint. 

2. The Camp Cameron Comrades: Full-length field studio portrait albumen CDV. Washington, D.C.: Mathew Brady, [ca. May 1861]. An extraordinary, rare double portrait documenting two 7th NYSM volunteers in full heavy field kit. One soldier stands at the left holding his rifled musket, while his companion sits cross-legged on the diamond-patterned floor beside him, smoking a pipe and resting against his gear. The lower front margin bears a matching Brady, Washington credit line. The reverse features highly significant, authentic period pencil research recording their identities, location, and date: "Rankin - Vance / Camp Cameron / May - 1861." This note likely refers to Company H patriots Henry Vance and William Rankin, who traded Manhattan luxury for the dust of Camp Cameron. 

3. 7th NYSM Guard at Ease (Company B): Full-length standing studio portrait albumen CDV. Ballston Spa, NY: J. N. Ramsdill, Bath Street, [ca. 1861]. A striking study of a militiaman standing at ease beside a massive fluted studio column and staircase railing. He wears his forage cap, crossbelts, and slung canteen, with a heavy woolen campaign blanket or overcoat draped dramatically over his shoulders while holding his rifled musket. The reverse features a highly desirable, full-surface plaid pattern overlaid with a bold J. N. Ramsdill backmark and a period ink identification reading "7th Regt. N.Y.V. Co. B." 

4. The "Silk Stocking" Dress Uniform Quintet: Group portrait albumen CDV. [ca. 1861]. A spectacular, high-contrast study of five members of the regiment posing together in their elaborate, specialized full-dress uniforms. The men are attired in double-breasted coatees with distinctive fringed epaulets, standing collars, and light-striped trousers, presenting a masterclass in early-war militia pageantry. 

The 7th New York State Militia occupied a legendary position as the vanguard of the Union volunteer army. Following the fall of Fort Sumter and the isolation of Washington D.C., the regiment was the first to answer Lincoln's call, departing Manhattan on 19 April 1861. Their high-stakes march via Annapolis reestablished communication lines and secured the capital from immediate capture, earning them the personal gratitude of the administration. During their subsequent 30-day enlistment, they established Camp Cameron on the outskirts of Washington, which is beautifully and explicitly referenced on the reverse of the Rankin and Vance double portrait.

Sittings that document both the unvarnished reality of heavy marching order in the field and the extreme sartorial pageantry of the unit's full-dress coatees remain among the most fiercely contested acquisitions in early-war photography. This is a rare chance to acquire an instant top-shelf collection. 

[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 prints and mounts are in excellent condition, showing sharp detail, strong contrast, and square corners with only minor age-related toning on the backs.