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AED[CIVIL WAR] A Remarkable Trio of Identified 3rd New Jersey Cavalry Troopers, a.k.a. the "Butterflies"
![[CIVIL WAR] A Remarkable Trio of Identified 3rd New Jersey Cavalry Troopers, a.k.a. the "Butterflies"](https://s1.img.bidsquare.com/item/xl/3707/37075607.jpeg?t=1WqsNx)
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About Auction
LiveJun 20, 2026
This sale features an extensive catalog of Civil War photographs that were acquired, curated, and researched by seminal collector, Rick Carlile. Fleischer's Auctions info@fleischersauctions.com
View Full Catalog (239)
- Lot Description
Three full-length studio portrait albumen CDVs. Philadelphia, PA: F. Gutekunst, 704 & 706 Arch St.; Trenton, NJ: S. Stokes, No. 30 East State St., New York, NY: C.D. Fredericks & Co., 587 Broadway, New York, NY [circa 1864]. Photographer's imprints to mount versos.
This highly desirable trio of full-length portraits captures Pvt. Malcolm McNeill, Cpl. James B. Kerlin, and a yet-identified trooper from Company I, all outfitted in the magnificent and unmistakable uniforms of the 3rd New Jersey Cavalry. McNeill is posed casually with his gauntlets resting on a studio pedestal, his sword at his side. Kerlin stands formally with his saber held upright before him, captured by local Trenton photographer S. Stokes. The third portrait features a resolutely posed hussar with his hands calmly clasped over the hilt of his cavalry saber, standing beside a draped studio table supporting a hardbound book. All three men wear the regiment's signature heavily braided hussar-style dolman jackets and distinctive kepis, presenting a striking study in late-war volunteer cavalry attire.
Mustered into service in early 1864, the 3rd New Jersey Cavalry was officially designated the 1st United States Hussars. Their commander insisted on outfitting the men in flamboyant, Austrian-inspired uniforms featuring brilliant yellow braiding on dark blue jackets, earning them the somewhat mocking nickname of the Butterflies from veteran units. However, the regiment quickly proved that their fighting ability matched their striking appearance. Serving under General Philip Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, the 3rd New Jersey fought fiercely at Opequon, Tom's Brook, and Cedar Creek, securing a fearsome combat reputation and cementing their legacy as one of the most famous regiments from the Garden State.
McNeill left behind a personal touch by dedicating his portrait to "Amanda Carr." Like all members of the 1st United States Hussars, he was thrust into the grueling 1864 Shenandoah Valley campaign, testing the mettle behind his flamboyant uniform. He survived.
Kerlin was not as fortunate. He contracted chronic diarrhea during the winter of 1865 and died in March, just before the Civil War ended.
The third portrait, carrying the Fredricks Broadway backmark, is inscribed in a bold contemporary hand to a trooper whose name appears to be "Ronfan(?)" of Company I, "1st U.S. Hussars." Like his companions, he wore the brilliant chest loops into the thickest cavalry actions of 1864, anchoring this fresh image directly to the wartime record of the Garden State's most celebrated mounted command. More research into this inscription may reveal his identity.
Butterfly images are rare, and seldom hit the open market. This is a chance to add three superlative examples to your collection.
[Photography, Early Photography, Historic Photography, Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Tintypes, Cased Images, Union Cases, Albumen Photographs, CDVs, Carte de Visites, Cartes de Visite, Carte-de-visite, Cartes-de-visite, CDV, Cabinet Cards, Stereoviews, Stereocards, Stereographs] [Civil War, Union, Confederate]
Condition
The images are in very good to excellent condition. The albumen surfaces exhibit a soft, pleasing tonality that clearly delineates the intricate braiding of their hussar jackets, their facial features, and their cavalry sabers.
- Provenance
Rick Carlile collection.
- Shipping Info
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