Civil War Era Photographs

The Seven Mile Funeral Cortege of General Grant.Large Book of rare original photographs. This book was published by The United States Instantaneous Photographic Company to commemorate the funeral of General U. S. Grant.

 A copy was recently sold by Baumans Rare Books for $23,000:
http://www.baumanrarebooks.com/rare-books/65214.aspx  

Baumans state that there are only four copies of the book – Here is a fifth!! We believe that actually there were seven of these books. At the time of his death Grant was widely considered to be one of the greatest Americans. He was not a good manager of money and at the time of his death (from throat cancer) he was rushing to complete his memoirs as a means of supporting his family. The US Instantaneous Photographic company came up with the idea of printing a Limited Edition of 1,000 of these commemorative books that would sell for $ 1,000 each (a huge sum of money at that time).  Half the funds would go to the Grant Family in its hour of need and the donors would also be recognized on Grant’s Tomb. Seven “sample” books were made, marked “property of the United States Instantaneous Photographic Company” and used to pitch the plan. The plan was rejected and so no more copies were made. Most of these photographs are original and have significant value on their own. This book weighs around 100 pounds and is mounted on a stand. The exterior leather is showing signs of loss and is detaching in places. Its condition is not as good as Bauman’s, but there is more history to the book than Bauman's seemed to be aware of. For Civil War book collectors this is a “one off “ deal.
Buy it now price is $23,000.  Starting bid on eBay is $14,000.

Wood Carving - West Africa 

A Chief being carried on a litter by two over-sized guardians 15 X 38 inches.$ 650

#1 Silver Horse

Laotian -  A standing horse with bells.   3 X 3.5 inches $120

#2 Silver Bar


A Laotian silver bar with decorative markings. 3.5 Troy ounces. This bar weighs 3.5 Troy ounces and would make a great paper weight. These were used as currency and as a store of value. $210

#3 Silver Bar


A Laotian silver bar with decorative markings.  4 Troy ounces.  These were used as currency and a store of value and would make a great paper weight. $230 

#4 Silver Eagles


One roll of 20 US Silver Eagles 1996.  In 2011 they have produced over 30 Million Silver Eagles.  In 1996 they only produced a little over 3 Million coins making it the rarest year.  At one time the “numismatic” premium was over 100% for these coins but with the run up in silver prices this premium has dropped. $1,200 

* Subject to change with silver price fluctuations.

#5 Wood Carving 

West Africa Beautiful Fertility or Fruit bow.  19 inches tall.  There is a small crack in one arm, which is not easily visible. $650

#6 Silver Horses


Laotian/Cambodian - A pair of kneeling horses. 3 X 2 inches,  Also used to store small items. Hall marked. $180

#7 Silver Doves


Laotian/Cambodian -  A  pair of nesting chickens. 1 X 1 Inches.  Also used to store small items. $110

#8 Early Pin Ball Machine

 Allwin Whales Redcar “ Win a Nestle Bar” Made around 1955  and designed to take large British copper pennies but adapted to take US Quarters.  All  intact but some of the rubber bands that help the mechanism work will need to be replaced. 31 X 18 inches. $1,400

#9 Wood and Metal Doors

 Northern IndiaThese are probably from a Sikh compound dating to about 1880’sEach half door is about ten feet tall and 40 inches wide.  One of the doors has an inset door measuring around 24 X 42 inch safety door that allows the access for one person at a time.  This was to prevent raiders from entering the compound in large numbers.  The wood is probably Teak and each half door weighs close to 500 pounds.  There are damages to parts of the wood and some of the metal work is badly rusted and deteriorated reflecting their use and age. Quite rare. $12,000

#10 Silver Bar
A Laotian silver bar with Chinese characters.  These were used as a store of value and currency.  This bar weighs 10.7 Troy ounces and would make a great paper weight. $525 

Please contact us if you are interested in buying, selling or consigning an item.