The Might of the Republic. Composite mammoth albumen. Columbus, Ohio: OH. Oldroyd, 1866. 18 x 21 1/2 in.

An impressive albumen print featuring a composite montage of Union notables, including Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, William T. Sherman, and many others. Under patriotic illustrations and an image of the Capitol building are copies of 110 signed CDVs. The composite is a fine assemblage of Union likenesses represented on one large albumen. This resplendent montage was compiled and published by renowned collector of Lincoln memorabilia, Sergeant Osborn Oldroyd (1842-1930).

Oldroyd, a native of Ohio, began his collection of Lincoln memorabilia upon his enlistment in the Civil War. After mustering into the 20th Ohio Volunteer Infantry in 1861, Oldroyd ultimately had to leave the line of service due to health issues. While his time serving in the Union war would be over, his enthusiasm would persist, turning his hobby into a lifetime passion. After renting the former president’s residence in Springfield, Oldroyd opened up his first museum, charging people to view his expansive Lincoln collection, which he had begun even before the president’s assassination. After renting the Lincoln property from Robert Todd Lincoln himself, it is speculated that Oldroyd set up the purchase of the property by the government, explaining his subsequent assignment as property caretaker upon the settlement of the estate. Throughout his life, Oldroyd’s reputation as a Lincoln collector would flourish. As he neared the end of his life, and with much persistence on his part, Oldroyd convinced the United States Government to purchase his Lincoln collection. It is through these efforts that so many of Lincoln’s landmarks and memorabilia are preserved for public consumption. 

This albumen print, published in 1866, is a great representation of the dozens of important figures who ensured the Union's triumph. A prime example of Oldroyd’s impressive 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] [Abraham Lincoln, Politics, Mary Todd Lincoln, 1860 Election, Election of 1860, 1864 Election, Election of 1864,  Lincoln Assassination, John Wilkes Booth]