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AED[CIVIL WAR] Antietam WIA to USCT Commander: Captain Peter J. Rooney CDVs
![[CIVIL WAR] Antietam WIA to USCT Commander: Captain Peter J. Rooney CDVs](https://s1.img.bidsquare.com/item/xl/3716/37166685.jpeg?t=1Wskg7)
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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
Two individual full-length standing and bust studio portrait albumen CDVs. One photograph by L. V. Newell’s Photograph Gallery, [circa 1864-1865]. Photographer's imprint to mount verso. Later pencil inscriptions to mount versos. One mount features a bold period ink signature on the reverse.
A fantastic pair of albumen CDVs documenting a single officer. The first is a full-length standing portrait of the subject in field uniform with his cavalry saber; the second is a vignetted bust portrait showing the same officer in a standard frock coat. The standing view bears the backmark of L. V. Newell’s Photograph Gallery, while both are heavily documented on the reverse, including a striking period signature. Both are identified via period and later inscriptions as Peter J. Rooney.
Peter J. Rooney compiled a remarkable combat record before receiving his commission as an officer in the 5th Massachusetts Cavalry, a notable regiment of the United States Colored Troops (USCT). Rooney initially served as an enlisted man in the infantry, where he was wounded in action during the absolute carnage of the Battle of Antietam on 17 September 1862. Surviving the bloodiest single day in American military history, Rooney later answered the call to lead volunteer Black troopers, rising to the rank of Captain. The 5th Massachusetts Cavalry was a hard-working unit that spent significant time in the Department of the Gulf and later participated in the Siege of Petersburg and the Richmond campaign. Notably, they were among the first troops to enter the Confederate capital of Richmond in April 1865.
This pairing provides a rare dual perspective of a cavalry officer's life. It includes two CDVs: A magnificent full-length standing portrait where Rooney wears a forage cap and a short officer's shell jacket over light trousers, braced by a leather belt and plate. He proudly rests his hand on the hilt of his mounted troops' saber, with a period ink inscription on the lower margin reading: "Capt. Rooney 5th Mass Cav." A clean gallery bust portrait captured from a slightly different sitting, showing a close-up view of Rooney with a full goatee and mustache.
Officers of the USCT cavalry regiments occupied a unique and often dangerous niche in the Union army. This collection preserves the likeness of a battle-tested veteran who bled at Antietam and went on to lead Black troopers during the climactic push into the heart of the Confederacy.
[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
Very good.The albumen surfaces exhibit a soft, pleasing tonality with good contrast. There is minor surface wear typical of period photography.
- Provenance
Rick Carlile collection.
- Shipping Info
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