Fantastic carte de visite (CDV) photograph of the colors of the 18th New York Volunteer Infantry. Two soldiers, presumably the regiment’s color bearers, display the 18th’s battle-torn flags. The 18th New York was organized in Albany, and spent nearly two years at the front. Their battle honors include Gaines’ Mill, South Moutain, and Marye’s Heights (Second Fredericksburg). Given the flags’ condition, it is fair to presume this photograph was taken in the late spring or summer of 1863, after the regiment’s term of service expired. Most of the veterans would reenlist in the 121st New York Infantry for the duration of the War.

Images of regimental colors are scarce and desirable. A pencil notation under the photograph reads “Colors of the 18th.” The image bears the backmark of Dow of Ogdensburgh, New York.






[Antique Photography, Daguerreotype, Ambrotype, Albumen, carte-de-visite, CDV, Tintype] [Civil War, Union, Confederate]