LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Apr Books, Manuscripts & Autographs #658  / 

25301

Rare ID'd Mexican War Daguerreotype and Archive

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Photographic Images Start Price:200.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 1,200.00 USD
Rare ID'd Mexican War Daguerreotype and Archive
<B>Rare Identified Mexican War Daguerreotype and Archive,</B></I> pertaining to First Lieutenant Jenks Beaman of Rutland, Vermont. Beaman, a West Point graduate, served in the Mexican War with the famed 4th U.S. Infantry under Zachary Taylor. Having survived the fighting at Monterrey, Cherubusco, and Molino del Rey, Beaman died on May 6, 1848 just one month before the regiment's return to the United States. The items associated with this officer are as follows: <BR><B>Cased 1/6th Plate Daguerreotype.</B></I> Lieutenant Beaman is shown in his uniform frock coat with its shoulder straps clearly visible. He stands with arms folded before a painted landscape dominated by a castle. A paper label dated 1848 identifies the subject and is affixed to the exterior of the glass protecting the image. Beaman's likeness is framed by an unusual paper matt that hides nearly half of the daguerreotype. Image, matt, and glass are sealed together along the edges with original glued paper. The underside of the glass is somewhat crystallized, a condition that seems magnified on account of the underlying image's mirror-like surfaces. Despite a few areas of spotting, the daguerreotype appears clean under magnification. "Restoration" might simply require cleaning both sides of the image's protective glass cover. The hinged lid has separated as often happens. Overall very good condition. Identified Mexican War officer daguerreotypes are quite rare in and of themselves, and this one comes with an archive. <BR><B>Two Documents Signed</B></I> "<I>J. R. Poinsett</B></I>", both partially printed, one page, 8" x 9.75", Washington, D.C, February 7 and June 30, 1838. These papers accept Beaman as a West Point applicant and cadet respectively. Fine condition. The signatory, Joel Roberts Poinsett, was serving Secretary of War. For the record, in retirement Poinsett developed a decorative seasonal plant which still bears his name. <BR><B>Manuscript Document,</B></I> "List of the Members of the 4th Class of Cadets 1838", West Point, New York. 40 cadets with A - H surnames are listed on this roster. Beaman is included as is future Union general and possible baseball inventor Abner Doubleday. Fine condition. <BR><B>Two Copies of U.S. Army Broadside,</B></I> "Cartel General", one page, 8.5" X 11", Puebla, Mexico, May 22, 1847. Signed in print by General Worth, this announcement in Spanish nullifies Mexican law and places all local authority with the U.S. military. Significant paper loss to upper left corners and lower margin, however the text remains intact. Fair condition, however highly significant. <BR><B>Approximately Forty Letters and Documents,</B></I> from Beaman's military years before and during the Mexican War. This archive primarily consists of orders and returns; however, there are also several postal covers following Beaman from Louisiana and Texas into Mexico. Overall fine condition.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Miscellaneous Collectibles, Larg (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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