Vignetted studio bust portrait albumen CDV. Cincinnati: J.P. Ball, [ca. 1861-5]. Photographer’s imprint to mount verso. Period ink inscription to mount verso reads: "Mrs. A. Scriven / Hang this above the mantlepiece to keep the flies out of the room." and "Thomas H. Bunt(?)."

This remarkable CDV features a full-length study of a Union soldier, likely a member of a cavalry or light artillery unit, standing beside a heavily carved studio pedestal. The image is a product of J.P. Ball’s Photographic Gallery in Cincinnati and carries a fascinating — and highly sarcastic — period inscription on the verso. The reverse is identified to Thomas H. Bunt(?) and addressed to a "Mrs. A. Scriven."

While most inscribed Civil War cartes carry somber sentiments of remembrance, this soldier (or perhaps a "friend") had a different idea for the portrait's legacy. The ink inscription on the back reads: "Hang this above the mantlepiece to keep the flies out of the room."

This 19th-century "burn" suggests that even in the midst of the nation's greatest conflict, soldiers maintained a healthy sense of self-deprecating humor — or perhaps were the targets of some friendly ribbing from their pards. Regardless, it is highly rare and unusual content. 

The historic value of this card is significantly elevated by its backmark. James Presley Ball was one of the first and most prominent African-American photographers of the 19th century. His Cincinnati gallery was world-renowned, known for its technical excellence and for documenting both the elite and the common soldier with equal artistry.

This CDV is the rare confluence of a high-status J.P. Ball backmark and a comical period inscription. It would be a highlight in any early photography 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 image is in generally excellent condition, featuring strong tonal contrast and sharp detail throughout. The mount remains structurally sound, exhibiting a clear, legible backmark and the humorous inscription on the verso. There is typical minor age-related toning and a small spot of foxing on the reverse.