[WORLD WAR I]. Panoramic photograph of Company "H," 815th Pioneer Infantry Regiment.

Panoramic photograph of Company H in the 815th Pioneer Infantry Regiment with the location marked as "NEWPORT NEWS" over a crossed out "WEST VA." Photographers mark reads "No 3003 / EWING, INC., Photographers / Baton Rouge, La." 9 3/8 by 43 1/2 in. (sight), framed to 46 1/2 by 12 1/2 in.

Photograph is arranged with the officers positioned at the left and the enlisted men arranged in three rows spread over the remainder of the image. The photograph is mounted in a wood frame with no numbers visible on the subjects or a personnel list present.

Formed as an all-black unit with white officers, the 815th Pioneer Infantry Regiment formed in 1918, and sent to France for overseas service in the autumn of that year, shortly before the armistice. As a result, their wartime service was brief, but the unit's work did not end with the conclusion of hostilities. In the months following the end of World War I, pioneer infantry regiments like the 815th received the grim task of clearing the battlefields of barbed wire, munitions, and the dead. By June of 1919, the unit was disbanded, and its personnel discharged back into civilian life.

Though the US Army attempted to funnel African American soldiers into support roles, members of the Pioneer Infantry units did see combat. Their example would inspire not only the generation that mobilized to fight in World War II, but provided African Americans with an opportunity to experience life in unsegregated nations, thereby laying the foundation for the modern Civil Rights movement.

Age toning overall with some stains and discolored marker striking out WEST. VA. Frame shows scuffs, chipping, and abrasions overall. Photograph shows some warping with some visible water damage along the right edge.

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 [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

American Historical Ephemera & Photography, including African Americana

[WORLD WAR I]. Panoramic photograph of Company "H," 815th Pioneer Infantry Regiment.

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup