Full-length standing studio portrait albumen CDV. Washington, D.C.: Mathew Brady, [ca. 1862-3]. A magnificent, high-contrast study showing William S. Tilton standing resolutely in his double-breasted field officer's frock coat with major's shoulder straps, wearing tall leather riding boots and a non-commissioned officer style belt plate. He rests his left hand on the hilt of his foot officer's sword, posing next to an ornate studio pedestal and heavy curtain drape. The lower front margin features a crisp Brady, Washington credit line, beautifully enhanced by a bold, period ink autograph presentation signature reading: "Wm S. Tilton / Major 22 Mass Vols." The reverse is entirely blank. 

This exceptional, autographed albumen CDV features a legendary high-command combat officer and brigade commander from the Army of the Potomac - Colonel and Brevet Brigadier General William S. Tilton of the 22nd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. This portrait is boldly ink-signed on the front mount by Tilton himself. 

William S. Tilton boasts an immortal operational record as one of the premier fighting leaders of the Fifth Army Corps. Commissioned as Major of the 22nd Massachusetts Infantry at its formation in 1861, he was immediately thrust into the meat-grinder campaigns of the Eastern Theater. During the Seven Days Battles, he was severely wounded in action and captured at the Battle of Gaines' Mill. Confined in Richmond's notorious Libby Prison, he was exchanged and returned to the regiment, receiving promotions to Lieutenant Colonel and ultimately Colonel to replace the fallen Jesse Gove.

Tilton's action of ultimate historical distinction occurred at the Battle of Gettysburg on 2 July 1863. when command of the First Brigade, First Division, Fifth Corps devolved upon him. He successfully led that brigade into the chaotic, bloody struggle for the Stony Hill and the Wheatfield, stubbornly delaying Longstreet's crushing assault. He continued to command his brigade through the grueling Overland Campaign battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania, eventually receiving a well-deserved promotion to Brevet Brigadier General for gallantry before mustering out in October 1864.

The definitive studio connection to Mathew Brady's Washington gallery, paired with a flawless, crisp period autograph tracking his early field officer rank, lifts this image into rare air. Signed portraits of fearless Gettysburg brigade commanders like Tilton represent an extremely rare buying opportunity, driving intense competition among advanced collectors.

[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 print and mount are in excellent condition, showing sharp detail, strong contrast, and square corners with only minor age-related toning.