This exceptional 2-piece collection of CDVs features a comprehensive study of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Pope Balch. Both portraits capture Balch in identical field attire alongside distinct studio props, providing a most interesting visual record of a prominent Rhode Island commander. The lot includes:

1. A full-length standing studio portrait captures Joseph Pope Balch standing on a geometric patterned floor, facing slightly left. He is attired in a double-breasted officer's frock coat with light-colored velvet cuffs, matching trousers, and his officer's saber suspended from his waist belt. He holds his regulation forage cap in his hands, positioned beside a draped United States national flag cascading over a studio pedestal at the right. The reverse features a small gallery mark reading Bundy & Rowell, Photographers, 25 Westminster St., Providence, R. I. 

2. A full-length standing companion portrait documents Joseph Pope Balch in a similar uniform, standing at a slight three-quarter angle on a similar tiled floor. In this variant composition, he rests his right hand on his forage cap near a large, prominent studio column surmounted by a draped United States garrison flag showing a distinctive circular star pattern. His officer's saber hangs prominently at his side. 

Joseph Pope Balch served as a vital component of the early-war defense of Washington, entering the field as a major in the celebrated 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia under Colonel Ambrose Burnside. He led his infantry detachment through the chaotic tactical maneuvers of the First Battle of Bull Run, anchoring the line during the fierce fighting around Matthews and Henry House Hill. For his effective service organizing state defenses and volunteer networks throughout the conflict, he was eventually rewarded with a promotion to Brevet Brigadier General of U.S. Volunteers. Image pairs of high-ranking field officers remain highly coveted, and this duo offers an excellent material culture study of one of the stars of Rhode Island's officer corps.

[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 very good condition, presenting strong contrast and deep tones. The cartes have only minor age-appropriate surface wear. A small chip is seen in the lower left corner of the image which features the flag with the circular star pattern.