This exceptional 4-piece collection of CDVs features a spectacular array of early-war field portraits capturing elite members of the 7th New York State Militia (NYSM) in full heavy marching order. Presenting a magnificent material culture cross-section of the historic April 1861 mobilization, the grouping includes iconic studio backmarks from Mathew Brady and Charles D. Fredricks & Co. tracking the travels of Manhattan's "Silk Stocking" regiment. The lot includes:

1. 7th NYSM Campaign Infantryman (Mathew Brady Washington Sitting): Full-length standing studio portrait albumen CDV. Washington, D.C.: Mathew Brady, [ca. April-May 1861]. A pristine, sharp study of a young volunteer posed in profile against a neutral backdrop on Brady's definitive diamond-patterned studio floor. He is in full heavy field kit, carrying a high-slung knapsack with a rolled woolen blanket, white canvas crossbelts, and a round canteen, while holding his long rifled musket vertically before him. The reverse carries a faint pencil studio mark reading "Brady / Washington" along with a later collector note "Turner Album 10/81."

2. Unidentified 7th NYSM Volunteer (Mathew Brady Companion Sitting): Full-length standing studio portrait albumen CDV. Washington, D.C.: Mathew Brady, [ca. April-May 1861]. A flawless companion view capturing another infantryman on the identical diamond-patterned studio floor. He stands at a three-quarter angle in full marching order, complete with knapsack, canteen, and canvas belts, holding his rifled musket. The reverse features an unclipped flat profile bearing research notes: "Unidentified, 7th Regt. NYSM."

3. William Tracy (7th NYSM Campaign Infantryman - Mathew Brady New York Sitting): Full-length standing studio portrait albumen CDV. New York: Mathew Brady, [ca. April 1861]. A commanding study of Tracy standing at attention in his light gray uniform coat with prominent dark leg stripes, heavy knapsack, and white crossbelts, posed next to a dark curtain drape. The lower front margin carries a crisp Brady, New York imprint. The reverse bears a bold identification reading "William Tracy." Like many members of the original 7th, Tracy went onto leadership roles in the Union Army. He served as a first lieutenant and adjutant in the 119th New York before rising to staff captain and Assistant Adjutant General under General Carl Schurz, surviving the intense tactical trials of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.

4. 7th NYSM Field Officer or NCO (Charles D. Fredricks Studio View): Full-length standing studio portrait albumen CDV. New York: Charles D. Fredricks & Co., 587 Broadway, [ca. April 1861]. A magnificent study capturing a seasoned volunteer standing in full campaign gear, including a packed knapsack with canvas crossbelts across his breast, posing next to a draped curtain and an ornate carved parlor chair. The lower front mount features an early graphite notation "6-12." The reverse bears a pristine, central Charles D. Fredricks & Co. "Specialité" backmark. 

The 7th New York State Militia occupies the upper echelon in the history of the Civil War's opening campaign. Filled with the sons of New York's elite merchant, banking, and legal dynasties, the regiment was the very first volunteer command to answer Lincoln's frantic call for troops following the fall of Fort Sumter. Their tactical advance through Annapolis broke the Confederate isolation of Washington D.C., securing the capital during the most precarious month of the war.

This specific lot beautifully frames their adventures. The sittings by Fredricks and Brady's New York studio capture the men immediately before departure, while the matching pair of Brady Washington portraits document them during their subsequent 30-day capital defense. Unified by immaculate condition and elite New York gallery pedigrees, this 4-CDV assembly represents a desirable archive for even the most advanced collector of early photography. 

[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]

Excellent. The prints and mounts are in very fine condition.