Unique CDV photograph of a lithograph of ‘Old Abe’, eagle mascot of the 8th Wisconsin Infantry. The front of the carte features a beautiful, colorized lithograph of Abe perched on a cannon tube. A large American flag is “draped” to his right. The reverse of the image is wonderful, and details the cause for which this particular photograph was sold. Produced by a Mrs. H.C. Crocker of Milwaulkee, the carte was offered for the benefit of the Permanent Soldiers’ Home of that city. Crocker describes Abe as follows:

Abe, the live eagle, carried by the 8th Wisconsin Regiment in all their battles equally exposed with themselves, during their three years’ service. The cannon upon which he is seen standing was captured from the Rebels by the 14th Wis. Regiment. “Abe” now belongs to, and is supported by the State in quarters fitted up for him in the State House in Madison.

Crocker sold these particular CDVs for 15 cents each, or 8 for $1.00. This particular example is in excellent condition, with some minor trimming to assist the owner to slip it into an album.



[Antique Photography, Daguerreotype, Ambrotype, Albumen, carte-de-visite, CDV, Tintype] [Civil War, Union, Confederate]