^Lot 452 James E. Porter

One of General Custer's officers (1847–1876) killed at the Battle of Little Bighorn. Rare albumen bust oval portrait vignette, with image measuring approximately 4.5 x 6, of Porter in his West Point uniform, evidently removed from a book as the portrait is centered on a 10 x 13 heavy stock page. Signed under the image in black ink, “James E. Porter, Strong, Maine.” In fine condition, with some mild rippling to page, mild toning to edges, and thin mounting remnant along left edge. At the time of his death he was acting captain of Company I, 7th Cavalry, his headless body identified amongst his company. Extremely rare in any form, as this is the first signed image of Porter we have seen.