COLLECTING AND EVALUATING CIVIL WAR SURGEON’S IMAGES, CDV's, AND PHOTOGRAPHS

By Paul R. Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.S.

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.

Examples from Dr. Johnson's collection: