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Original Civil War-era carte de visite (CDV) photographic portrait, dating approximately 1864–1866, featuring an unidentified young gentleman with distinctive Victorian sideburns, neatly styled hair, and formal period clothing.This antique photograph was produced by Hallett & Brother, a historic New York City photography studio located at 136 Bowery, New York.The reverse features an elaborate decorative photographer’s backmark with ornate scrollwork, an intertwined monogram, and the studio’s name and address.Of particular historical interest is the original orange 2-cent U.S. Internal Revenue Bank Check stamp affixed to the reverse.Historical Significance:During the Civil War era, the federal government imposed a tax on photographs to help raise revenue. Photographers were required to attach revenue stamps to photographs sold between August 1, 1864, and July 31, 1866.The surviving 2-cent revenue stamp provides an unusually specific historical dating window for this photograph.Item Details:* Type: Original antique carte de visite (CDV)* Date: Approximately 1864–1866* Photographer: Hallett & Brother* Studio: 136 Bowery, New York City* Subject: Unidentified young gentleman* Format: Albumen photographic portrait mounted on cardstock* Size: Approximately 2.5 x 4 inches* Revenue Stamp: Orange 2-cent U.S. Internal Revenue Bank Check stamp* Period: American Civil War / Victorian era* Original antique photographic item, not a modern reproductionCondition:Antique condition consistent with approximately 160 years of age.The portrait remains visible with attractive period detail. The original cardstock shows age-related toning, scattered spotting, light surface wear, and minor corner and edge wear.The ornate photographer’s backmark remains legible, and the original revenue stamp is still attached. The stamp exhibits age-related discoloration and cancellation markings.Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description.Collector Appeal:An interesting surviving piece of 19th-century American photographic history, combining an original Victorian portrait, a documented New York City photography studio, and a Civil War-era federal revenue stamp.Suitable for collectors of antique photography, cartes de visite, Civil War-era memorabilia, historical revenue stamps, Victorian ephemera, and early New York City history.The individual pictured has not been identified.Ships carefully protected in archival-safe packaging to preserve this historic photograph.
