As mentioned above, a nude photograph sold for nearly $60,000. Why is this? According to the owner and operator of Fleischer’s Auctions[i], Adam Fleischer, he stated the following:

“Nudity in Civil War photography is virtually unheard of outside of a very occasional academic example produced in hospitals for medical study during the later stages of the War…This particular subject does not appear to be hurt, making the purpose of this full-length nude tintype photograph entirely speculative. The muscular subject stands in the dirt with his arms folded across his chest, naked from head to toe. A crudely painted camp scene backdrop hangs behind him, strongly indicating that a photographer in the field made this image c. 1863. We are aware of no other examples. Given the sensibilities of the era this plate raises provocative questions. Was he nursing some unseen injury? Was he simply showing off?”

So, what makes a photo rare or valuable? Ignoring the obvious example above, why are other images that are seemingly “normal” going for big money? There are many reasons, but I’ll focus on three of the most common reasons that I have found after obsessing over Civil War photos for more than 10 years.

So what three things have I found that make original Civil War pictures valuable? Here they are:

1. Civil War Battlefield Photos or photos at well known locations
2. Civil War Death Photos & Postmortem photos
3. Civil War Weapon & Equipment photos
4. Identified Photos

Other historians love to find the exact spot where the photo was taken and crop together a before and after comparison.

These images of soldiers actually living on campaign in the field have significantly increased value because so much information can be extracted for the researcher who wants to spend the time looking at every item in the photo. They simply give a level of detail and paint a clearer picture of the past that written documents just cannot.

Original Civil War photographs depicting soldiers with their full gear and equipment, including knapsacks, canteens, haversacks, and weapons, are exceptionally rare and highly coveted among collectors and historians. These images offer a detailed glimpse into the daily lives of soldiers during one of the most pivotal periods in American history. The rarity of such photographs can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the cumbersome nature of the equipment made it challenging to capture soldiers in natural and unposed settings, especially considering the relatively slow exposure times of early cameras. Additionally, the harsh conditions of the battlefield often resulted in damage or loss of these photographs over time. The scarcity of these authentic, untouched images has created a high demand in auctions and marketplaces. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for these rare glimpses into the past, as they provide valuable insights into the lived experiences of Civil War soldiers. Each photograph becomes a tangible link to the sacrifices and challenges faced by those who fought, making them not only artifacts of immense historical significance but also cherished pieces of tangible history in the eyes of enthusiasts and scholars alike.

The value of original Civil War images that are identified, commonly referred to as “ID’d” photographs, is exceptionally high within the collector’s market. Each ID’d image represents a historical puzzle waiting to be solved, and many collectors revel in the challenge of identifying these individuals. The process often involves meticulous research and attention to detail. Collectors frequently resort to delicate techniques like pulling photographs out of frames to inspect the back for handwritten inscriptions, or examining uniform types, studio settings, backdrops, and regimental insignia. When an unidentified photo is successfully linked to a specific individual, it transforms from a mere historical artifact into a tangible connection to a person who lived during that pivotal era. This newfound personal connection significantly enhances the photograph’s historical value, making it a unique and valuable piece of Civil War history. Collectors, historians, and museums alike are willing to pay a premium for these ID’d photographs, recognizing them not just as images frozen in time, but as windows into the lives and stories of the people who shaped the course of American history.

We only discussed a few of my favorite reasons war photos become valuable or highly sought after. It must note, however, that there are many more reasons. For instance, any confederate image or pictures of confederate soldiers are very valuable from a collectors and research point of view. While the union had Matthew Brady and many other photographers, the Confederate States were not as lucky to have multiple options to get their photographs struck.

Additionally, any image from the National Archives collection, images with color (hand tinting), or images tied to a local community tend to be popular.

I firmly believe we’re in the midst of a digital Civil War research explosion that’s just beginning. The vast array of historical documents is rapidly becoming digitized, allowing for extensive keyword searches, filters, and interconnected links spanning various related topics. This digital revolution is reshaping how we explore history, providing unprecedented access to information. Institutions and researchers are spearheading this transformation, making countless primary sources accessible to scholars and enthusiasts worldwide. With each passing day, the digital frontier expands, unveiling new layers of the past and revolutionizing our understanding of the American Civil War. The Research Arsenal is one of the leaders at the forefront of this movement, paving the way for a future where the wealth of historical knowledge is at our fingertips, transforming the way we learn about and interpret this crucial period in history.