Potter & Potter Auctions
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Fine Books & Manuscripts

Sat, Oct 10, 2020 12:00PM EDT
Lot 168

[CIVIL WAR] Stanton?s Official Dispatch, Fort Fisher Double...

Estimate: $300 - $400

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$30 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
[CIVIL WAR] Stanton?s Official Dispatch, Fort Fisher Double Amputee CDV Photograph. Pittsburgh: Cargo Photographer, [post-1865?]. Carte de visite on original studio mount depicting a uniformed sailor and double amputee, Bernard Toby, strapped with a ?hurdy-gurdy?, or hand organ, at his hip. He is posed next to a small cart flying an American flag, and his son posed on the opposite side. Stanton?s Official Dispatch announcing the fort?s fall printed on the verso. On January 16, 1865, a powder magazine exploded inside the surrendered Fort Fisher killing or wounding 200 men including Toby who lost both of his arms in the accident. For a source of income, Toby purchased a hand organ and used it to perform concerts around the country with his son and sell photographs such as the one seen here.