The Battle of Baltimore:

You are viewing an 1861 Civil War print featuring the Battle of Baltimore- which resulted in the first casualties of the Civil War.  It is from an original  1861 edition of Harper's Weekly, the most popular newspaper of the day.  Note that this is not a reprint, and I absolutely guarantee its authenticity.  This leaf is over 140 years old, and the date is clearly marked on the front of the leaf. On the day this leaf was printed, Abraham Lincoln was president of the United States, and the Civil War was in its opening chapter.

This is a dramatic and highly collectible illustration.  It features a spectacular view of the first casualties of the civil war.  While the first shots of the Civil War had been fired a few days earlier at Fort Sumter, this was the first battle resulting in casualties.  The print shows an intense street battle in which union troops are being attacked by armed men and rock throwers.  Several men can be seen falling to the ground, succumbing to their wounds.  The men shown falling to the ground would be the first of millions to follow over the next several years.  The print is captioned, "First Blood- The Sixth Massachusetts Regiment Fighting Their Way Through Baltimore."

This is a highly collectible illustration in that it depicts the opening battle of the war involving casualties.  It is a most impressive illustration, and will become the center of attention wherever it is displayed. It would make a wonderful gift for any Civil War buff.

Unlike newsprint of this century, these older, original pages do not yellow and fall apart.  The reason is that modern newspapers use an acid based process.   Remnant acid in the paper causes the paper to quickly yellow and deteriorate.   A different process was used in the mid-1800's which yielded an exceptional quality paper that will last for centuries. Special acid free mats should be used when you frame this piece to ensure that it will last another 150 years.  Acid free mats are available at most better frame shops.  If you have any questions related to handling or framing this piece feel free to email me. The print is approximately 10 3/4 X 16 inches.  I have been collecting Civil War Newspapers for over 15 years.  It is a fascinating hobby, and I find that these pieces really get noticed when framed and displayed.

The illustration is in very good condition. It has the rich sepia tone that you expect in original material from this period. It has some light spots of foxing in the margins.  There are several areas of finger smudging in the margins from people handling the print over the last 130 years. The print is highly displayable, and I guarantee your satisfaction!