Original CDV Photo of Marksman (ID'd) Posing w/ Deluxe Ballard Rifle

This is an excellent photo of a marksman posing with a highly prized Ballard No. 8 Union Hill target rifle...which would be worth around $15,000 in today's money.  Note the looped lever, double set triggers, Swiss buttplate, and cheek rest on the side of the stock.  You can tell this fellow thinks highly of his gun as he wouldn't even rest the buttplate on the ground...it's resting on his foot and something only a hard-core gun collector would understand.  The image is so clear, you can see the case colors on the frame of the gun, the mid-range vernier tang sight, and even the globe front sight.  The man appears to be about thirty years old and seems to be dressed in typical 1880's attire...pin-striped pants, with vest, jacket, and of course, the obligatory 19th century cookie duster (handle-bar mustache).  Pinned on his vest is some type of medal...shooting medal?...as well as a pocket watch tucked in his breast pocket.  The hat is a little unusual.  The photographer's name is listed as "Luke Smith"..."Artistic Photographer"..."Villisca, Iowa".  Down near the bottom left corner on the back of the photo is the name "Lee Harris" nicely penned in black ink...probably from a fountain pen given the contrast in the characters.

From what little time we spent researching Mr. Harris, we did find he was a Lieutenant in Co. B, 3rd Regiment of the Iowa National Guard and a member of the Shooting Team that represented the state of Iowa in inter-state shooting matches.  One such match he appears to have participated in was held at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, IL in October 1892.

Photo measures 4.25" x 6.5" including matte.  Overall condition is Fine+ with no tears or damage to the image.  A great identified circa mid-late 1880's period carte de visite photograph.

Item# 1034

$275 SALE PENDING