Vignetted studio bust portrait albumen CDV. New York: Bogardus, 363 Broadway, [circa 1864]. Photographer’s imprint to mount verso. Two-cent blue Washington proprietary revenue stamp to mount verso. Period ink identification to mount verso reads: "Genl. A. Shaler / 1864."

This sharp, vignetted profile study captures Brig. Gen. Alexander Shaler, a prominent commander in the 6th Army Corps. Photographed by the well-known Bogardus studio in New York, Shaler is shown in his brigadier general’s uniform, complete with his star-adorned shoulder straps and a distinct corps badge pinned to his lapel. The 1864 date on the reverse places this sitting at the height of his fame as one of the Union’s most reliable brigade commanders.

Shaler earned the Medal of Honor for his "extraordinary heroism" during the Second Battle of Fredericksburg on 3 May 1863. While commanding the First Brigade, Third Division of the 6th Corps, Shaler observed a Union regiment faltering under the heavy Confederate fire coming from the legendary stone wall at Marye’s Heights. Without orders, he galloped to the front, seized the colors and personally led a charge that broke the Confederate line. His prompt and courageous action was credited with turning the tide of the assault and securing the heights for the Union.

Shaler’s wartime experience took a harrowing turn in 1864 when he was captured at the Wilderness and held as a prisoner of war in Charleston. Thankfully, he survived. After the Civil War, Shaler became a central figure in New York City's civil development, serving as the Fire Commissioner and as a founding member and president of the National Rifle Association.

[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 image is in generally excellent condition, featuring strong tonal contrast and sharp detail across Shaler’s profile. The albumen surface is well-preserved with a pleasing light sheen. The mount remains structurally sound with period-clipped corners on the lower edge.