LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Feb Americana Grand Format Auction #659  / 

25779

Abraham Lincoln: A Spectacular Ruby Ambrotype

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Photographic Images Start Price:750.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Abraham Lincoln: A Spectacular Ruby Ambrotype
<B>Abraham Lincoln: A Spectacular Ruby Ambrotype of a Printed Lincoln Portrait.</B></I> "Lincoln" appears below his bearded bust, an image similar to that seen on some patriotic envelopes issued in the midst of the Civil War. The portrait is an oval surrounded by an elaborate decorative border. One might presume this to be a unique image made for an individual customer, but in fact there is strong reason to believe that it is a commercial product. Our June 7th 2006 Americana auction included an ambrotype of John C. Frémont in highly similar format (lot #25363). At the time we speculated that the Fremont might be an 1856 campaign item. However, the appearance of this Lincoln example suggests that both may have been part of a series featuring Lincoln and prominent Union generals, such as the tintype set produced by Abbott. Another intriguing possibility suggests itself: perhaps these are 1864 campaign items, as both Lincoln and Fremont were presidential candidates, along with McClellan, that year. The fact that we have not seen similar image for other Civil War personalities might tend to support the latter theory. <BR><BR>Condition is luminous and beautiful, overall very choice. Careful examination discloses a couple of tiny areas of missing emulsion in the field, but Lincoln's image is flawless. It is housed in a rare style of thermoplastic case featuring a seated figure of Ms. Liberty surrounded by a steam locomotive and other symbols of American industry and prosperity. Like the ambrotype, the case is in beautiful condition. <I>From the collection of Stanley King.</B></I> Measures 2.75" x 3.25" (ambrotype only). Overall measurements of open case: 7.5" x 3.75".<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Small Collectibles (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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