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Up for auction is a set of three (3) period cartes de visite depicting Presidents of the United States. CDVs were Civil War period photographs that were used as calling cards. The images were shared between friends and families and portraits of famous individuals could be purchased at different photography studios. The first CDV is of James Garfield who, in 1881, became the second President to be assassinated when he was shot by Charles Guiteau. Also included is a photograph of Garfield's immediate predecessor, Rutherford B. Hayes, who was President from 1887 - 1881. The last CDV is a composite, album filler type image containing miniature portraits of all the Presidents from George Washington to Andrew Johnson.
The two solo portraits of Garfield and Hayes measure approximately 4" x 2.5", while the composite image has been trimmed down in size. While none of the CDVs have any photographer backmarks, there are handwritten notations of "Mr. James A. Garfield" and "Gov. Hays / Ohio" implying that at least the Hayes CDV (and possibly the Garfield one who was a Representative first) was produced before he reached the Presidency. The images have minor soiling but are each in good condition. Each come in a protective and archival quality sleeve. Please consult the images below.
Where else can you buy 19 Presidents all at once?
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