Indian Wars-Era Medical Corps Officer, Captain Charles Gandy, Glass Negative and Photographic Archive, Including Views of Fort Clark, Fort Yellowstone

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American History Auction

By Cowan's Auctions

Nov 18, 2016 - Nov 19, 2016

Set Reminder 2016-11-18 10:00:00 2016-11-19 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : American History Auction https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/cowans/american-history-auction-1870
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• Lot Description
  Lot of over 150 images produced by Charles Gandy between 1890-1895, including views taken at Fort Yellowstone, WY, and Fort Clark, TX, numerous scenic shots capturing the surrounding landscapes, and personal family portraits. The collection is comprised of approx. 116 glass negatives, many housed in their original sleeves and presumably inscribed by Gandy, with notes regarding the location and date of the shot as well as photo specifications (time of day, f-stop, exposure time, developer, etc.). The collection features a fine 6.5 x 8.25 wet plate collodion negative of Gandy in full uniform as well as at least 115 dry plate negatives in the following sizes: 6.5 x 8.5 in. (41), 4 x 5 in. (70), and 5 x 7 in. (5). Highlights captured in the negatives include: interior and exterior views of buildings at Fort Yellowstone, such as the hospital office; a fine shot captioned, Our Party, wagon and mules; a group of officers posed with Buffalo heads; a US Army wagon outside a large building, likely located at one of the forts; Fort Yellowstone from Capitol Hill; Liberty Cap & Hotel; rapids of the Yellowstone above Upper Falls; Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone; Grotto Geyser Cone; Minerva Terrace; Gardiner Canyon and River; and so much more. 
  
  The glass plate negatives are accompanied by a leather album, 10.75 x 7 in., containing 19 printed photographs taken by Gandy, each approx. 7.25 x 4.5 in., mounted one per page. Many are captioned and dated 1889-1890. The photos include views of Fort Concho, TX, such as Gandy's quarters, the Post Hospital, and a group of structures identified as "The Line," Fort Concho, Texas; abandoned June 23, 1889. The album also features photos taken at Fort Clark, TX, such as the Post Hospital and other buildings, a "Parade" of the 18th Infantry in 1890, and soldiers in a US military wagon, presumably at the fort. A loose group of 16 prints by Gandy are also included, each 4.5 x 3.5 in., on 7.5 x 6 in. mount, and present scenic shots of Yellowstone as well as an interior parlor scene. 
  
  Charles M. Gandy was a captain and assistant post surgeon at Fort Clark in 1890 and was also stationed for a time at Fort Concho in Texas. While stationed in Texas and near Yellowstone, he photographed many breathtaking views of the scenery and the spirit of the wide spaces surrounding the forts and the people living on or near them. Although it was his hobby, Gandy captured many dynamic images that rivaled the work of professional photographers. Many of his photographs were published in William F. Haenn's book, Images of America: Fort Clark and Brackettville, Land of Heroes. He reached the rank of colonel in the US Medical Corps and worked for a time at West Point. Gandy retired in 1921 after serving as chief surgeon of the Eastern Department in Governors Island, New York, and died in 1937. 

  Condition

  Items range in condition, most are in very good condition while very few negatives have some flaking and scratches. The album images range in condition, most have lightened, with some spotting throughout the album. Wear to album exterior. Loose, mounted prints with some spotting
• Shipping Info

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• Buyer's Premium

  • Hammer Price	Premium (%)
    $0	28.00
    $250,001	23.00
    $3,000,001	15.00