Civil War Tintypes
Admiral David Glasgow Farragut Sixteenth Plate Tintype Famous For: "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead."
c. 1860s Civil War Era, Admiral David Glasgow Farragut Photograph, Sixteenth Plate Tintype in Period Case, Choice Very Fine.
A very nice rare Bust Profile Tintype image of Admiral David Glasgow Farragut in a Civil War period frame, in a Sixteenth Plate period leatherette case. The oval image measures 1-1/2" x 1-5/8" and fits perfectly into its case which measures fully 1.5" x 2". The Photograph image was taken of an engraving of Farragut and is quite clear. The case shows some wear, the velvet pad within the lid has a small split, and the clasp side edge of the case is slightly separated. Farragut was the Commander of Union forces at the Naval victories of New Orleans and Mobile Bay. He is quite famous for having uttered the order: "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead."
David Glasgow Farragut (July 5, 1801-August 14, 1870) was a flag officer of the United States Navy during the American Civil War. He was the first rear admiral, vice admiral, and admiral in the United States Navy. He is remembered for his order at the Battle of Mobile Bay usually paraphrased as "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead" in U.S. Navy tradition.
Born near Knoxville, Tennessee, Farragut was fostered by naval officer David Porter after the death of his mother. Despite his young age, Farragut served in the War of 1812 under the command of his adoptive father. He received his first command in 1824 and participated in anti-piracy operations in the Caribbean Sea. He served in the Mexican-American War under the command of Matthew C. Perry, participating in the blockade of Tuxpan. After the war, he oversaw the construction of the Mare Island Naval Shipyard, the first U.S. Navy base established on the Pacific Ocean.