Vignetted studio bust portrait albumen CDV. Utica, New York: J. B. Smith, Marble Block, [ca. 1861-5]. Photographer’s imprint to mount verso. Period and research pencil identifications to mount verso read: "Col. James J. Grindlay MoH / 146th NY" and "refusal of furlough."

This vignetted bust study features James G. Grindlay, the distinguished commander of the 146th New York Volunteer Infantry, famously known as the "Halleck Guard" or "Garrard's Tigers." Produced by J. B. Smith in Utica, New York — the city where the regiment was primarily recruited — this portrait captures Grindlay in his officer's frock coat. 

Grindlay earned the Medal of Honor for his "extraordinary heroism" on 1 April 1865 at the Battle of Five Forks, Virginia. During the decisive Union assault, Grindlay was the first to enter the enemy's breastworks, where he personally captured two Confederate battle flags in quick succession. His leadership and personal bravery during the breakthrough were instrumental in collapsing the Confederate right flank, a victory that forced the evacuation of Petersburg and Richmond just days later. Notably, Grindlay was the first person to receive the Medal of Honor specifically for actions at Five Forks.

This image is a rare, locally printed portrait of the 146th New York’s Medal of Honor recipient, the first soldier cited for heroism at the strategic "knockout blow" that ended the ten-month Siege of Petersburg and led directly to the surrender at Appomattox.

[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 Grindlay’s features. The albumen surface is well-preserved with minimal age-related toning. The mount remains structurally sound with sharp corners and a bold, clear photographer’s backmark. The research notations on the reverse are entirely legible and provide significant historical context to the subject's service.