Posted 8 years ago
scottvez
(977 items)
I love these Civil War images that, through a period identification, are able to tell a story.
James Bentley enlisted as a Private in the 24th NY Infantry in MAY 1861. By October he was serving as a hospital steward (photo #3 shows the sleeve insignia authorized for the position).
On 30 AUG 1862, James was captured by Confederate forces at the 2nd Bull Run. He was only held for a few days before being paroled.
James then was commissioned into the 15 NJ Infantry as a 2nd Lieutenant.
After the Battle of Gettysburg, he was noted as being in "delicate health" (possibly a PTSD issue as he was moved from a line position to assist the Quartermaster) and eventually resigned from the Regiment in FEB 1864.
In his image, Bentley wears the early war NY State issue shell jacket with shoulder tabs and large NY buttons. He wears tall boots that would be more consistent with mounted troops.
The carte de visite was most likely made by a local Virginia photographer (marked "Falmouth, VA" by Bentley) and can be dated to the time period of JUN- AUG 1862 based on Regimental locations.
Thanks official and roddy!
scott
Wonderful write up, possibly saves this man's history from oblivion
Thanks vo-- I really enjoy investigating a soldier's name to learn his Battle/ War history.
scott
Great photo Scott! Your write up and history of this gentleman is awesome! I cannot imagine the things this man saw during his time in service, but I'm certain they would have traumatized anyone!!
Thanks for looking scott-- I appreciate your kind words!
scott
Great work again Scott! you are the best here.
Thanks much film-- I appreciate your kind comments!
scott
Great CDV Scott. Falmouth, Va is about an hour north of where I live. Good Job!!!
Thanks frank-- these "in the field" annotated cdvs are unusual to find.
scott
Thanks for looking fran.
scott
Thanks much peggy!
scott
Thanks for looking frank and tintyper.
scott
Nice part of history and your post will future generations of his family find out things may have never known WTG
I was a little surprised how much some of these go for now however I found a book full (ending in 22 Hours on 4/11/17) for $120 seems like a steel but could jump a mile in 22 hours too.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/311840094723?rmvSB=true
will *help* future
No steal-- I only see a few General Officer images.
It will probably jump a little before the end, but it isn't a huge bargain right now.
The type of image (litho vs. life photo) makes a big difference in values as does a General Officer vs. an identified soldier.
Lots of variables can make a HUGE difference in values.
scott
AHH another VERY good reason foe me not to start a new collection at least until I learn a lot more before jumping in I would have thought 3 or 4 times where it's at, I'm new collectors make that mistake in any field, Thinks I'll stick with button's 4 now.
Thanks
Yep-- take the time to learn before you throw your money in. There are bargains in online auctions.
Shows are a good place to start-- you'll get to see hundreds of examples and ASK QUESTIONS. Most dealers are willing to share their knowledge.
Where are you? Maybe I can recommend a show to "get your feet wet".
scott