This exceptional 7-piece collection of CDVs features a powerful assembly of Union high command portraits, tracing some of the most politically influential and battle-tested generals of the war. The lot includes:

1. Lieutenant Colonel Charles B. Merrill (17th Maine Infantry): Full-length standing studio portrait albumen CDV. New York: Published by E. & H.T. Anthony from a Brady National Portrait Gallery negative, [ca. 1862-3]. Captures Merrill standing resolutely in his field officer's frock coat with a sash and sword belt, holding his slouch hat at his side next to an ornate studio table. The reverse features a clean Anthony/Brady backmark under a period pencil identification reading "Lt Col Chas B. / Merrill."

2. Major General Ambrose E. Burnside: Vignette bust portrait albumen CDV. New York: Published by E. & H.T. Anthony from a Brady National Portrait Gallery negative, [ca. 1862-3]. A magnificent, razor-sharp study of the famous commander of the Army of the Potomac, showing his iconic facial hair and a double-breasted major general's frock coat. He prominently wears a Rhode Island state society medal or corps badge on his breast. The reverse carries a bold Anthony/Brady imprint overlaid with an original orange two-cent Washington proprietary revenue stamp.

3. Major General Nathaniel P. Banks and Wife: Full-length standing double portrait albumen CDV. Boston, MA: Silsbee, Case & Co., 299 1/2 Washington Street, [ca. 1861-2]. A scarce, highly desirable portrait of the political general standing in his dress uniform with epaulets, arm-in-arm with his wife, Mary, who is attired in an elaborate period gown and lace veil. The reverse features a clean Silsbee, Case & Co. backmark under an early pencil notation "Gen. Banks."

4. Brigadier General David Bell Birney: Three quarter-length standing studio portrait albumen CDV. New York: Mathew Brady, [ca. 1862-3]. A commanding study capturing the hard-fighting brigade commander standing in his double-breasted officer's coat with his tall hat in his hand and medal pinned to his breast. The reverse features a beautiful, clean central Brady National Photographic Portrait Galleries stamp from the Broadway/Washington locations, as well as a period inscription that reads, "Maj. Gen. Birney / formerly of Hancock's 2nd Corps / Now comd'g 10th Corps." Given the tense used, the original owner of this image might have been either in the Army or a very close follower of the  Army of the Potomac. 

5. Brigadier General George P. Buell: Three-quarter length standing profile portrait albumen CDV. New York: Published by E. & H.T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, [ca. 1864]. Documents the cousin of Don Carlos Buell in his double-breasted frock coat with star shoulder straps. The reverse is heavily documented with early research reading "Brig Genl Buell / with Sherman / in the Grand March" and in another hand "From Indiana / but Brig General / Geo P. Buell." The card features an Anthony corporate mark and an original orange two-cent revenue stamp with a hand-penciled cancellation.

6. Major General Robert C. Schenck: Three-quarter length standing portrait albumen CDV. New York: Published by E. & H.T. Anthony from a Brady National Portrait Gallery negative, [ca. 1862-3]. A fine study capturing the Ohio political general turned congressman in his double-breasted frock coat with velvet cuffs. The lower front mount carries a neat period ink identification "Schenck." The reverse features extensive historical pencil research tracking his political and military positions: "Schenck / Maj. Gen. Regt. Commg. Schenck / Comm. VIII Corps, Baltimore / Congressman, Chair of Committee / on Military Affairs."

7. Major General Hugh Judson Kilpatrick: Full-length standing studio portrait albumen CDV. New York: Published by E. & H.T. Anthony from a Brady National Portrait Gallery negative, [ca. 1862–1863]. A striking and aggressive study of the legendary cavalry commander - famously known as "Kill-Cavalry" - standing at a slight three-quarter angle in a double-breasted general's frock coat while firmly gripping his forage cap. The reverse features an inverted Anthony/Brady backmark, a modern graphite note "Army of [the] Potomac" and early pencil research tracking his extensive command lineage.

This lot represents a unique opportunity to acquire a collection of high-quality original photographs of some of the most notable men who served in the Civil War. 

[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 excellent condition throughout, with only minor age-appropriate light surface toning on the reverses.