Illustrated Backings 1860's

Boston, Ma. & Newport, R.I., 1865

Many times, as is the case here, a person would purchase
a photo of a notable person and than send the photo to
that person with a handwritten request on the back for
the receiver to sign the front of the photo and to than
return the card to them. When signed, the owner of the
photo would display his collection of photos in an album.
This particular photo was signed front and back by
Oliver Wendel Holmes, who at the time of signing, was
probably still enlisted in the Union Army, two years
prior to passing the bar and about 37 years prior
to his being nominated as a justice to the U.S.
Supreme Court.

Type of stamp: 2 cent - Playing Card

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