CDV featuring men sitting atop a large format camera on the sand bar in front of Ft. Sumter by H.C. Foster, Charleston, SC.

CDV featuring a group of 4 men posed on and around a large format camera on a sand bar in front of Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, SC. Unmarked but taken by H.C. Foster, Charleston, SC, ca 1861-1865.

Two men stand to the viewer's left of the camera, while the other two men sit back-to-back on top of the camera. In the background can be seen the front of Fort Sumter, heavily damaged from the bombardment. This image, however, was taken by Union soldier turned photographer H.C. Foster (1829-1934).

Our sincere thanks to Andy Douglas House, Charleston Civil War historian and specialist in Civil War photography, for identifying the photographer and publisher of the photograph, H.C. Foster.

For additional information regarding the photographer, see "H.C. Foster: The Soldier who Became a Photographer," by Andy Douglas House (p. 3): https://www.civilwarphotography.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2023-3-December-2023-Battlefield-Photographer-FINAL.pdf.

Estate of David O'Reilly, Old Bridge, New Jersey

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Toning, with splotches of grayish discoloration throughout and some surface indentation visible in raking light to upper portion of image, tiny losses to lower left and right corners.

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.

To request further details about this lot, please email

Katie Horstman

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

[email protected]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.

American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography, including The Larry Ness Collection of Native American Photography

CDV featuring men sitting atop a large format camera on the sand bar in front of Ft. Sumter by H.C. Foster, Charleston, SC.

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup