Posted 7 years ago
scottvez
(977 items)
I just wanted to add this posting after reading welzebub's posting from a few days ago.
His posting highlighted the dangers of online information and that much of it is just not accurate.
This posting demonstrates more of the same (with no ill intent).
A seller on ebay posted a Civil War soldier photograph for sale and attributed the image to Naum Cregar of the 15th NJ Infantry. Apparently, the cdv came in an album from the family that originated in NJ.
Someone added the seller's photo to the soldiers find a grave listing. FANTASTIC, now we have a long lost portrait of a Civil War soldier!
Not so fast.... The carte de visite does not have any inscription on it. Additionally, the photograph was taken in Clarksville, TN (my reason for acquiring the image). A quick search of the 15th NJ shows that they were an Eastern Regiment and never in TN.
Another inconsistency is the soldier's veteran stripe-- showing he had reenlisted for another term of service. PVT Cregar did not even complete his first three year enlistment due to the end of the War.
So, who is our soldier? He is unknown. But based on what we can see in the image, it is a late war image-- probably taken in the summer of 1864; but before AUG when a revenue tax stamp would be required to be affixed to the image.
Based on units occupying Clarksville, TN; I would suspect that he is an Illinois soldier.
Reproduction of these images in any form is prohibited.
ebay listing for the soldier:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CDV-Photo-of-Civil-War-Soldier-likely-Naum-Cregar-from-Clinton-New-Jersey-NJ-/202061897198?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=ONAyO3VxJv3Rp%252FpilWuAASL%252FzAk%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc
And the find a grave site with photo:
https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=11619346
scott
Good detective work, Scott Holmes.
Thanks buss-- this one was fairly easy, but is actually very desirable due to the location of the photographer.
scott
Thanks bobby and racer.
scott
Thanks jlmam and tassie.
scott
Thanks vo, blackwatch and spirit!
scott
Thanks for looking apache.
scott
Thanks blackwatch!
scott
Unfortunately, sellers on eBay, and other places for that matter, very often misrepresent their items and knowingly, or unknowingly, it's the buyer that gets duped. Just as did Scott, if you're not a 100% sure about an item, do your research, and if that fails, run it by one of the experts on CW prior to purchase.
Thanks rick-- good point.
There are a lot of misrepresented items on ebay ( a minefield for new or overly trusting buyers). BUT for the experienced collectors, there are significant bargains as well.
scott
I would like to personally thank Scott for this research. I am a great-great grandson of Naum Cregar. I was doing some research today, and just noticed the eBay auction from last October. I was disappointed that I hadn't seen this sooner. Googling further, I cam across this web site and your appreciated research.
While I am disappointed that this is not a photo of Naum, I am glad you put your time and effort into this.
Thank you brian-- I appreciate your kind comments. Sorry that the image wasn't a wartime view of your g-g- grandfather. Glad to see the "find a grave" poster positively responded to my message and deleted the cdv.
Don't give up the search for an image. I always tell folks at shows who are looking for a long lost relative's photograph to keep asking/ continue the search as stuff seems to "pop" every day.
Some relatives will get an image from the same Regiment (often the same company)-- a much easier task. At least that gives you a photographic connection to your relative while the search continues.
scott