The Buffalo Soldier

Original 1864 Civil War Portrait of:

The Negro Soldier

You viewing an original 1864 portrait of a Slave and a Buffalo Soldier. It is from an original 1864 edition of Harper's Weekly, the most popular illustrated 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 July, 2 1864 is clearly marked on the front of print. On the day this leaf was printed, Abraham Lincoln was President of the United States, and men and women were still being held in bondage across this land.

This is a rare and highly collectible illustration. The upper right features a portrait of a runaway slave shortly after he escaped from captivity. He is pictured sitting on a stool in tattered clothes. His condition testifies to the ordeal which he has just been through. The lower right image shows a Union Buffalo Soldier. He is in complete uniform, and you can see incredible detail about his uniform and gear. He is pictured leaning on his musket. He stands tall and proud in the picture. The amazing thing about this leaf is that these two images are of one in the same man! This unnamed slave escaped from captivity, recovered from his ordeal, and then proudly served in the Union Army, bravely fighting against those who had held him in captivity.

This is one of the most collected and difficult to find of all Harper's Weekly slave illustrations. These images are quickly scooped up by serious collectors, and when this one is gone, I do not know when I will ever be able to offer another one. This is a "must have" for any student of Black History or Slavery.

As you hold this leaf in your hand, imagine the world on the day it was printed. Men, women and children were being held in bondage across this country. The Civil War was ripping the nation apart, and mothers and wives were weeping over fallen loved ones. Holding this piece in your hand will give you a feeling of connection with this period of history, and those who lived it that is hard to explain.

When you frame this leaf and place it in your office or study, it can serve as your personal tribute to this one man's unquenchable thirst for freedom; born a slave, risked his life or his own freedom, and then wore the colors of the Union army to help free his brothers. Simply stated, this is one print you do not want to miss.

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 11x16 inches. I have been collecting Civil War Newspapers for over 10 years. It is a fascinating hobby, and I find that these pieces really get noticed when framed and displayed.

The leaf is in excellent condition. It has the rich sepia toning that you expect in original material from this period. It has a few finger smudges in the margins from folks handling it over the last 130 years. The print will display very nicely.