Mathew Brady Civil War CDV photographs

This grouping of three Civil War carte de visites is collectible for a couple reasons.

First Mathew Brady is among a select group of early photographers whose images are collected solely because of the photographer. Brady is probably the most well known Civil War photographer and is well documented. Often novice collectors will describe his photographic subjects (and other well known photographer's subjects) as someone famous. While Brady did photograph many dignitaries and celebrities of the era, a large part of his photographic gallery business was taking photographs of unknown soldiers and civilians. Additionally, Brady's Gallery employed numerous photographers, so while the stamp says Brady; more often than not another photographer actually took the image.

Second, this image depicts a famous chair. In several Brady images of President Lincoln, this same chair can be seen. Actual Lincoln items are in short supply (and costly), so Lincoln collectors tend to collect and enjoy items with a connection to the famous President.

These three cdvs were purchased as a group. I suspect the three are husband, wife and daughter, but only the little girl's image has identifying details (on the back in period ink).