1860s CIVIL WAR NAVY ENSIGN CDV PHOTOGRAPH BROWN WATER NAVY PHOTO USS CHOCTAW

Description

Rare and original, 1860's CDV Photograph of a United States Navy Civil War Ensign William C. Bennett of the USS Choctaw in full uniform taken on the Mississippi at Ottaw, Illinois.
This outstanding, period, albumen Photograph measures approx. 2 1/8” by 3 3/8” and is mounted on its original, square corner, gold rule border, CDV Card Mount (card measures approx 2 1/2" by 4"). The back of the mount carries the mark of Ottaw, Illinois photographer S. Alschuler.
This wonderful, full length, standing portrait of the young and handsome Navy Officer pictures Bennett wearing a frock coat with shoulder bars that identify him as an Ensign in the United States Navy (1862 Regulations).
This fantastic CDV Photograph came to us from the legendary Brown Water Navy Collection of Richard B. Cohen.
The Ensign is identified in faded period pencil on the reverse that reads "W.C. Bennett / Acting Ensign / USS Choctaw." Based on the identification and the Illinois imprint this is certainly William C. Bennett (1836-1916) who became Acting Ensign on 10/1/1862 and resigned 2/18/1864. Ensign Bennett served aboard the USS Lafayette before transferring to the hybrid gunboat ram USS Choctaw. The USS Choctaw was heavily engaged at Milliken's Bend, LA on June 7, 1863 in support of Federal infantry fighting off an attack by a division of rebel infantry. While Bennett was aboard, the Choctaw, on several occasions, bombarded threatening concentrations of enemy troops on shore, routine work for a Brown Water Navy gunboat. Upon learning of the death of his father, Bennett resigned and returned to Illinois.
This rare and wonderful, albumen CDV Photograph is in excellent condition - clean and crisp and well preserved. The Photograph exhibits sharp focus, strong contrast and rich, warm tonality. Both the Photo and the card mount are clean and crisp and well preserved.
A very rare and very attractive, 1860's CDV Photograph of United States Navy Civil War Ensign William C. Bennett of the USS Choctaw and a fantastic addition to any collection!!
Be sure to check out this sellers other auctions for a number of other, fantastic, original Civil War Photographs and Autographs which are also being offered for sale this week on eBay!!!
Overseas shipping is extra and cost will be quoted at bidders request. Massachusetts residents must add 6.25% sales tax.
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