LOT #40063 |
Sold on Dec 12, 2021 for: Not Sold
Nathan Bedford Forrest: The Last Photograph of the General.. ...
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Description
Nathan Bedford Forrest: The Last Photograph of the General.Perhaps the most highly regarded cavalry and partisan (guerrilla) leader in the Civil War, Forrest is regarded by many military historians as that conflict's most innovative and successful general. Confederate victories, including those at Brice's Cross Roads and the battle of Chickamauga, along with his successful raids, helped fuel Forrest's ascension through the ranks. Though he began his career as a soldier with little to no formal training, he was promoted to lieutenant general in February 1865, the first on either side to have risen so far. This lot includes a copy of the original notarized letter of provenance, the signature of John G. Montague of Gentleman's Antiques appearing at the bottom, stating the item was purchased "...directly from the granddaughters of General N.B. Forrest in their home...in Memphis, Tennessee." The piece is one of the three items mentioned in the letter, appearing tenth in the list and is purportedly the very last photograph taken of Forrest in Memphis, Tennessee, before he died in 1877. Protected at the front and back by plexiglass sheets, the image is housed in an 11¼" x 13¼" wooden frame with a gold inlaid border and some chipping and scratching throughout. The back of the frame has a handwritten inscription reading, "Copies or Duplicates of this Picture of [?] Forrest can be had at Moystons Gallery [?] 338 Main St." An additional taped strip of paper at the bottommost edge reads, "The above last photograph ever" and "eneral [sic] Forrest." Part of the text is missing. A large tear can be seen at the top left corner, where it appears the paper has wholly separated but remains in place. Another tear is visible at the left edge, and some crackling and foxing are present throughout with a few small dark-colored and light spots in the field. The photograph has not been inspected outside the frame. Overall in good condition, the image retains much of its good contrast. In particular, Forrest's eyes still appear sharp, hinting to the viewer of his uncompromising and fierce nature that once fought for the Confederacy. The B.G. Chip Newman Collection
Auction Info
2021 December 12 Arms & Armor, Civil War & Militaria Signature® Auction #6245 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2021
12th
Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 0
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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