Central States, Lawman and Outlaws Historic Association: Photographer C.H. Hall, Witness to History, Springfield Illinois: By G.C. Stevens

A very common carte de visite,

in good condition

purchased on ebay, subject unknown

Sometimes a rather inexpensive purchase of a photo can yield a special find. When searching for antique photos, I find that it's very important for dealers (some advice here) of carte de visite's to display both the front and back of each photo. Seeing the antique portrait, carte or cabinet card form both sides tells much about the story of the photo. On most carte de visites, the photographer, used their photo as a business card (so to speak) and usually stamped his or her name and studio on the back (back mark) of the card, and in other cases, we sometimes find personal information written on these photos. Clues to the identity of the person in the photos are frequently found because of these notes. The identity of the photo here, a young man holding a book, remains a mystery, however the back mark on this photo indicated that the picture was from a city in Illinois that played a significant role in the American civil war, and that place was Springfield Illinois, Abraham Lincoln's home state.

Photo from the authors collection

I have a habit of looking at the back mark before I even view the photo

The back mark on this photo comes from the Capital Gallery West Side Square, Springfield Illinois, at first glance, It was apparent that this photo dated sometime between 1860 and 1865. Research revealed that photographer, C.H. Hall was well documented and records of the photographer being in Springfield showed up in several places. This first was on a military draft registration dated 1863-1865 and Hall is actually listed as a photographer on this document. (see below). But one thing I learned about C.H. Hall was that he was perfectly positioned to capture a very historic moment in Springfield in 1865, and that special moment was the interment of Abraham Lincolns remains at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield. The photo which was credited to Hall by Freemans auction and the library of congress, connected him to a larger grouping that Freeman's auctions had sold for $3000. This story, in may opinion highlights the importance of back marks of antique photos.

Sponsored by Bison Bold Coffee

Photo taken by C.H. Hall courtesy of the library of congress

Photo was taken at the original interment location at Oak Ridge Cemetery

in Springfield Illinois

The above photo shows a group of armed union soldiers that were guarding the entrance of the original tomb. Its worth noting that Abraham Lincolns body was stolen in 1876 and held for ransom

The Theft of Lincolns Body