Offered here is an incredible, museum-grade piece of American military history: an original Civil War era Carte de Visite (CDV) portrait of Captain (Brevet Major) John Bigelow, the legendary commander of the 9th Massachusetts Volunteer Light Artillery Battery who saved the Union line at Gettysburg.The portrait shows a sharp image of Bigelow in civilian attire, sporting his signature heavy mustache and beard. The reverse features a crisp, period fountain pen inscription reading "Mr. John Bigelow" alongside the authentic backmark of famed early Boston photographer Samuel Masury at 289 Washington St.Historical Significance:
A senior at Harvard University when the war began, John Bigelow was the first undergraduate from his class to enlist. He is best known for his actions on July 2, 1863, at the Trostle Farm during the Battle of Gettysburg. Ordered to hold his position "at all hazards" to prevent a total breakthrough, Bigelow's 9th Massachusetts Battery held off Barksdale's Brigade in a desperate, legendary stand, buying the Union army 30 critical minutes to reinforce Cemetery Ridge. Bigelow was severely wounded during the action but survived, later being breveted Major for his gallantry.Item Details:
- Subject: Captain John Brooks Bigelow (1841–1917)
- Military Unit: 2nd Massachusetts Light Battery / 9th Massachusetts Battery
- Photographer: S. Masury, 289 Washington St., Boston (circa 1861-1865)
- Format: CDV Albumen Portrait on original round-corner mount.
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