PBA Galleries

Publisher's order book, printed description and prices at the head of one side of each leaf, columns for name, address and other ordering information beneath and on reverse page. (Folio) 34x23 cm (13¼x9") original full pebbled red morocco, gilt-rule borders, "Gettysburg" in gilt at center on front and rear, large brass corner pieces and strap clasp (lacking rear and latching portion of clasp), spine gilt, raised bands, gilt dentelles, silk endleaves, all edges gilt.

A fascinating and unique record of orders placed for Bachelder's panoramic view depicting the moment of the repulse of Longstreet’s (actually Pickett’s) charge at the Battle of Gettysburg. Based on the original large panoramic painting by James Walker which measured some seven and a half by twenty feet. The print was engraved by H.B. Hall, Jr. The print was available as a chromolithograph for $50 and though unlisted in the printed text, as an artist's proof for $100. It was also offered as a plain lithograph for $10, a proof state for $15, and hand-colored for $25. Some 80 pages are completed by hand with the names of those placing an order, often with their rank and service information for those who served during the civil war. Most appear to be in the hand of the orderer but some may have been in another's hand. Among those ordering are General George Meade (by itself on a laid in leaf, trimmed from its conjugate), General John W. Geary, General Abner Doubleday (supposed inventor of the game of Baseball); General Joseph Hooker, General A.F. Deveraux, General Charles Hamlin (son of Vice President Hannibal Hamlin) and scores of other soldiers of equal or lesser rank. Each leaf contains about 20 signatures. Laid in is an autograph letter from a Benjamin Piatt who served at Gettysburg in Birney's Division under the command of General Daniel Sickles declining an invitation from publisher Jonathan Bachelder to an October 1865 event at the Gettysburg battlefield to which the officers of the Army of the Potomac were invited. Piatt recounts his experience at Gettysburg briefly within the letter. This album was featured on the locally produced PBS television program "Arizona Collectibles" (Season 2, Episode 6. 10/8/2015) which can be seen at http://www.azpbs.org/collectibles/videos.php.