Three-quarter length bust portrait albumen CDV. [ca. 1862-3]. A deeply striking study capturing Lt. David Crist in his officer's frock coat with single-bar lieutenant shoulder straps and a full, prominent beard. The image is beautifully housed within a highly ornate, printed oval border featuring a hanging tassel and scrollwork motif simulating a suspended gallery frame. The reverse bears early graphite research identifying him as "Capt David Crist / Co H 124th NY," tracking his tragic battlefield fate with the notation "KIA, Totopotomoy Creek."

This exceptional albumen CDV features a revered combat commander and martyred officer from the legendary 124th New York Volunteer Infantry, the "Orange Blossoms," who made the ultimate sacrifice during the grueling Overland Campaign.

David Crist features prominently in the tragic saga of the Orange County regiment's frontline leadership. He entered the service at the regiment's organization, mustering in as First Lieutenant of Company H on September 5, 1862. He stood shoulder-to-shoulder with his men through the horrific meat-grinder engagements of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, eventually earning a well-deserved promotion to Captain of Company H on September 1, 1863.

His service came to a bloody end during Grant's relentless 1864 push toward Richmond. On 30 May 1864, during the Battle of Totopotomoy Creek (part of the larger Cold Harbor operations), Captain Crist was struck and instantly killed in action while directing his company under heavy fire along the entrenched skirmish lines. The distinct, highly decorative printed frame border on the front mount adds incredible visual appeal for display, while his status as an original officer who was killed in action makes this an immensely desirable artifact.

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