Extremely Rare Civil War Veteran Collection: Identified Tintype & 1906 G.A.R. Le For Sale

Extremely Rare Civil War Veteran Collection: Identified Tintype & 1906 G.A.R. Le
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Extremely Rare Civil War Veteran Collection: Identified Tintype & 1906 G.A.R. Le:
$3359.99

This exceptionally rare and historically significant collection offers a unique, personal glimpse into the life of a Civil War veteran and the aftermath of the conflict. The set includes:

  1. Union Case with Identified Tintype Photograph (c. 1860s)
    • Manufactured by Littlefield, Parsons & Co.
    • Features a classic "Union Forever" emblem, symbolizing Union loyalty
    • Contains a tintype photograph of J.B. Eades as a young man, likely during his military service
    • While not in uniform, this image captures Eades during his Civil War era military service
    • Ornate gold mat and protective velvet lining
    • Case patents: October 14, 1856, and April 21, 1857
  2. Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Condolence Letter (1906)
    • Dated May 29, 1906
    • Written by P.H. Coney, Department Commander of Kansas G.A.R.
    • Addressed to Mrs. J.B. Eades, regarding the sudden death of her husband
    • Printed on official G.A.R. letterhead with names of various officers and medals
    • Details of J.B. Eades' death: May 26th, fell from his express wagon at the Missouri Pacific Depot
    • Cause of death noted as heart trouble
    • Offers assistance with pension claims
    • Personally signed by P.H. Coney, a notable figure in the Kansas G.A.R.
  3. Original Envelope (1906)
    • Addressed to Mrs. J.B. Eades, Council Grove, Kansas
    • Postmarked 1906, matching the letter's date
    • Features G.A.R. insignia and P.H. Coney's name as sender

Historical Significance & Provenance

This collection is of exceptional historical value due to its established provenance and the direct connection between the items:

  • The tintype photograph is confirmed to be of J.B. Eades, the same individual mentioned in the 1906 G.A.R. letter. This direct link between image and document is extremely rare and significantly enhances the collection's historical importance.
  • The letter provides key biographical details about J.B. Eades, including the circumstances of his death and his status as a respected Civil War veteran.
  • Together, these items trace the life of a Union soldier from his youth during the Civil War to his death over 40 years later, illustrating the long-lasting impact of the conflict on individual lives.
  • The G.A.R. letter, signed by Department Commander P.H. Coney, demonstrates the organization's role in supporting veterans' families and assisting with pension claims.

Condition

  • Union Case and Tintype: They are in very good condition as pictured.
  • G.A.R. Letter: The letter has separated along its original creases but remains legible. Professional conservation is recommended to stabilize and potentially frame the document.
  • Envelope: Shows wear and tear.

Preservation Recommendation

We strongly recommend having the G.A.R. letter professionally conserved and framed to ensure its long-term preservation. This will not only protect this rare document but also prepare it for display, enhancing its value for collectors and historians.

Ideal for Collectors of:

  • Identified Civil War soldier photographs
  • Civil War veterans' memorabilia
  • Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) documents
  • 19th-century photography and union cases
  • American military history
  • Kansas state history

Additional Historical Context

  • The G.A.R. was a powerful fraternal organization for Union veterans, active from 1866 to 1956.
  • Union cases like this one were popular during the Civil War era for protecting and displaying precious photographs of loved ones, especially soldiers.
  • The "Union Forever" emblem on the case was a popular patriotic symbol during and after the Civil War.

This extraordinarily rare collection offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of American history that connects a face to a name and a life story. The confirmed provenance and direct link between the photograph and letter make this an exceptional find for serious collectors and institutions interested in preserving Civil War era personal histories.

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