MOSBY, JOHN SINGLETON | Signature ("Jno. S. Mosby | Major C.S.A."), on the mount of a fine anonymous salt print photographic portrait

Property from the Eric C. Caren Collection

MOSBY, JOHN SINGLETON

Signature ("Jno. S. Mosby | Major C.S.A."), on the mount of a fine anonymous salt print photographic portrait

Oval salt print photograph (7 1/4 x 5 1/8 in.; 185 x 131 mm) tipped to larger mount (9 x 7 in.; 230 x 180 mm); photograph very lightly abraded, mount spotted and lightly soiled, rebacked on verso. The consignor has independently obtained a letter of authenticity from PSA that will accompany the lot.

A very rare wartime signed photograph of the "Gray Ghost," feared commander of the eponymous partisan ranger unit known variously as Mosby's Rangers or Mosby's Raiders (43rd Battalion, Virginia Cavalry). Mosby is shown in a seated three-quarter pose, wearing a dress uniform. Since he has signed himself as a Major in the Confederate States Army, Mosby must have inscribed this portrait between 26 March 1863 (when he was promoted from Captain) and 21 June 1864 (when he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel).