American Historical Ephemera and Photography, Featuring African Americana

Sale 1310

Live

| Cincinnati

Feb 27 | 10:00 AM EST

Live

| Cincinnati

Lot 305

[WORLD WAR I]. Photograph of the Harlem Hellfighters, African American troops. New York: Guarantee Photo Studio, operated by noted Harlem photographer James VANDERZEE (1886-1983), ca 1919.

Lot 305

[WORLD WAR I]. Photograph of the Harlem Hellfighters, African American troops. New York: Guarantee Photo Studio, operated by noted Harlem photographer James VANDERZEE (1886-1983), ca 1919.

Status:

Closed

Estimate: $400 - $600

Estimate$400 – $600

Status

Closed

[WORLD WAR I]. Photograph of the Harlem Hellfighters, African American troops. New York: Guarantee Photo Studio, operated by noted Harlem photographer James VANDERZEE (1886-1983), ca 1919.

9 x 7 in. (including margins) unmounted silver gelatin photograph, likely a period copy (some soiling throughout, adhesive residue to lower margin, light wear to edges and corners). Lower right corner of image embossed "Guarantee Photo Studio 109 West 135th St. N.Y." Verso with additional Guarantee Photo Studio stamps and pencil inscription reading, "Studio of James VanDerZee."

Featured in the image are African American soldiers, most likely of the 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the "Harlem Hellfighters." An all-Black regiment, the 369th fought heroically on the front lines in France during World War I and received an enthusiastic welcome from civilians at the victory parade held in 1919 upon their return home. African American photographer James VanDerZee was one of a few photographers who photographed the parade.

The image featured here appears to have been taken in a rural setting. Research indicates that this may have been taken in 1918 when the Harlem Hellfighters were training in France. They were documented by the International Film Service at that time, and the original image may have been produced then.

A rare, possibly undocumented image.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Freeman's I Hindman strives to describe historic materials in a manner that is respectful to all communities, providing descriptive contexts for objects where possible. The nature of historical ephemera is such that some material may represent positions, language, values, and stereotypes that are not consistent with the current values and practices at Freeman's I Hindman.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email historicalephemera@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

katiehorstman@freemansauction.com 513.666.4958

Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

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American Historical Ephemera and Photography, Featuring African Americana

[WORLD WAR I]. Photograph of the Harlem Hellfighters, African American troops. New York: Guarantee Photo Studio, operated by noted Harlem photographer James VANDERZEE (1886-1983), ca 1919.

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