Civil War Era Abraham Lincoln Large-Format Photograph Portrait in Antique Frame

  
Here we offer a Civil War-era large-format albumen photographic portrait of President Abraham Lincoln, framed under glass in an antique, heavily-varnished, gilted, pressed-wood frame. The construction of the picture, beneath the new backing paper, features period iron nail chips (and a modern nail I added), a period wood scrap backing piece, and wavy glass, which is the kind of sheet glass made prior to modern methods, featuring visible imperfections and a slight wavy lay.

The albumen print is a large format version of the oft-reproduced February 9, 1864 Anthony Berger image. These rare large-format framed pieces were made for government offices, local meeting places, and schoolrooms.

This item comes with a bit of intrigue, as on the reverse side of the photograph I found another large-format portrait. As paperboard was quite valuable in the 19th Century, photographers would routinely reuse photographs they could not sell, and this is an example.

I could not determine who the individual is, but he was likely a notable person for the size of the print. I snapped a picture before sealing the rear, so you can see the detailed portrait without taking the frame apart see the last image. Photograph has light specks on it from mineral deposits that were on the inside of the glass please see pic. Frame has wear to the details beneath the varnish that can be found by examining it closely. Matte has a slight crease in the upper right quadrant.

Frame has been disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled with the original backing paper remnants reapplied atop a new acid-free rice paper backing. Frame measures approximately 12.5 x 10.5-inches; surface of photograph exposed by the oval matte measures 8 x 5.75-inches. This remarkable Civil War era relic will make a wonderful addition to your collection or a very thoughtful gift for an enthusiast. Have you seen all the amazing first and rare editions of iconic books we offer? -- other auctions of classic antiquarian literature and special gifts! Thank you for your interest! The item "Civil War Era Abraham Lincoln Large-Format Photograph Portrait in Antique Frame" is in sale since Thursday, March 21, 2019. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Militaria\Civil War (1861-65)\Original Period Items\Other Civil War Original Items".

The seller is "iconic-books" and is located in Bronx, New York. This item can be shipped worldwide.

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