November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
The reverse of this carte-de-visite is inscribed in old brown ink: “maj. W. Renwick Smedburg / U.S.A. Retired – Taken in 1861 / when a private in D.C. / National Rifles.” Overlapping this is a period pencil inscription reading: “Will Baldwin / comps of / W. Renwick Smedburg.” The image shows 2 armed militia soldiers in different uniforms, but both armed with M1855 rifles with bayonets fixed and wearing knapsacks with blanket rolls. The figure at left shows white crossbelts and lets his canteen hang prominently to the front, hinting at field service. Both have been activated for the defense of Washington in the opening days of the Civil War. A modern note in the paperwork transposes the identities of the 2 men. A companion view formerly in the McAfee collection published in Todd correctly identifies William Renwick Smedburg of the National Rifles at right and his brother, Charles G. Smedberg, at left, wearing the uniform of the 7th NYSM, which rushed to Washington in April 1861 to reinforce local defenders like William. The National Rifles had organized in November 1859, but most of the company joined Confederate forces. The remainder reconstituted the company and mustered into U.S. service as Company A, 3rd Battalion D.C. Infantry. Both brothers subsequently joined the regular army. Charles served as private and sergeant in Company H 14th US from May to August 1, 1862, and Second Lieutenant June 30, 1862 to his death on June 1, 1863. William served in the 3rd DC from April 15 to July 4, 1861; First Lieutenant in the 14th US May 14, 1861; Captain July 25, 1861; unassigned July 22, 1869; retired on December 15, 1870. Brevet Major July 2, 1863 for gallant and meritorious service at Gettysburg and Lieutenant Colonel May 5, 1864 for the Wilderness. CONDITION: Clear image. Rounded top corners. Slight creasing. Very good.
Paperwork
Consigner Research