Evaluation
of Civil War Surgical Images
Viewing and evaluating an
image from the Civil War for authenticity and collectability is much
the same as for surgical instruments and sets. Examining as many
period images is crucial to 'get the feel' of original images.
There are several reference works out there, and "Military Images
Magazine" has been to me an invaluable resource.
The most important aspect of
evaluation is the subject of the image and its quality/condition.
Full length or 3/4 length portraits are more interesting than
sitting, bust, or cameo views. Images should be examined for
clarity, contrast, focus, and and defects such as emulsion/albumen
bubbling or tearing, marring defects, spotting, foxing, etc.. Many
CDV's are slightly trimmed at the corners to permit entry into
albums, but major bending or trimming across subject image will
detract.
Identified and especially
signed/autographed images command a very high interest, particularly
if the surgeon is notable or was involved in the care of patients
from significant Civil War engagements. A reference base for Civil
War Surgeons is very necessary. Any portrait which demonstrates
equipment (MS M1840 swords or other style/model swords of interest,
any medical/surgical instruments, etc.), distinctive insignia (MS in
the shoulder boards or hat device, tinted green sash, etc.), unusual
uniforms or accessories, or unusual activities are very much of
interest and desirable.
CDV's were produced from a wet
plate negative process. It is possible that many images of the same
pose/portrait were reproduced both during the Civil War and possibly
long after. This is particularly true of Brady - Anthony portraits,
some of which were reprinted as second and third generation images.
How many General McClellan CDV's are out there compared to a CDV
from New York showing an Assistant Surgeon operating on a subject
with a surgical set open? Still rarity and collectability are very
much subjective in nature.
Hard images (tintypes,
ambrotypes, and daguerrotypes) are unique photographs, with the
actual image being it's own negative. Condition is very much
critical in evaluating a hard image. Scratches, emulsion problems,
cleaning, loss of contrast and clarity/sharpness, etc. are all
important. However, many times, the dirt and problems are on the
cover glass and not on the image itself. Be very careful in
removing and cleaning cover glass, and never clean the
image/negative itself. It is strongly recommended to obtain the
assistance of an experienced collector of images if any major
rehabilitation is needed for a hard image.
Unfortunately, some
unscrupulous people have generated reproduction images which can be
quite hard to tell without very careful inspection, most often under
magnification. The online auction venue has also allowed many of
these type of people to prey on the unsuspecting. Confirm prior to
bidding that the seller is representing an original of the period
image and not a modern reproduction. Check the image (usually a CDV/albumen
format) for the nice, brownish coloring of a period albumen. Then
confirm that the image itself has not been placed/pasted upon a true
period CDV cardboard backing, complete with a period photographer's
imprint. I've seen several that you can actually see the civilian
portrait under the military-surgeon's image over which it was
pasted!
Finally, under magnification,
confirm that the image is genuine and not a modern computed digital
scan/printed piece. There is a rise in the number of reproductions
out there, and now images are being scanned in total (both front and
back) and both are being pasted onto thin cardboard mounts. This is
especially true of stereoviews and some larger albumen prints.
Hard images also are being
manufactured, with many being taken at reenactments by modern
photographist/artists using the actual tintype or ambrotype
processes. Some of these works are high in quality and can be very
difficult to authenticate as reproductions vs original Civil War
period. They almost always require complete disassembly of the
cover glass/matte/frame/keeper, etc.. Caution should also be
exercised in evaluating written inscriptions inside the hard cases
which indicate identification of the subjects of the portrait or
provenance.
Taking all of this advice in
context, the field of Civil War photography, whether of
Surgeons/Medical subjects, Military subjects, or civilian portraits
is exciting, engrossing, and expanding. Very many unique and
beautiful images retain their excellent condition for all of these
years, since they were stored in closed albums or cases, away from
the sunlight. Many are identified with signed autographs and
sentiments. And most especially, the Civil War collecting/dealing
fraternity is very warm and friendly. Attend a photograph show and
experience this for yourself! Paul Johnson, M.D.
Civil War era surgeon and
related photos, images, CDV's wanted to buy:
