This outstanding Stereo Photo measures approx. 6 3/4” by 3 1/4” and is mounted on a gray colored, flat card mount. It carries a printed label on the reverse that identifies the view as part of the Schreiber & Glover Series of Stereoviews titled “Views Relating to the Home and Funeral of Abraham Lincoln at Springfield, Ill.”.

    The Photograph pictures the buildings on the east side of Sixth Street in Springfield (opposite the State House and the Public Square) draped in mourning. The Sangamon County Court House is in the center of the view (to the north) and on its right is its architectural twin, the Springfield Marine Bank. The southeast corner of the Public Square block upon which the State House sits may be seen in the lower center of the stereoview. Groups of citizens dressed in black have gathered in front of the courthouse in anticipation of the passing of the funeral procession. A pall of sadness and silence permeates the Photograph in a way that is seldom seen in a static Image of this type.

    Philadelphia photographer Ridgway Glover traveled to Springfield, Illinois at the time of Abraham Lincoln’s Funeral. His firm - Schreiber & Glover – published a series of at least 17 Stereoviews of the City that were taken at the time of Lincoln’s funeral. All of these views are exceptionally rare and although we have been selling antique photography and Historical Americana, this is the very first example of any view from this series that we have ever encountered much less owned.

    Ridgway Glover, was a Philadelphia photographer with an overwhelming desire to succeed that was only exceeded by his desire to go West. His skills as a photographer frequently left something to be desired. Not uncommonly he had problems making wet-plate negatives and produced slightly out-of-focus or damaged prints. His drive, however, was not reduced by these short comings. In 1865 Glover first contacted the Smithsonian Institution to inquire whether there were any expeditions he could accompany. Eventually he was sent as the Smithsonian's photographer with the Ft. Laramie Peace Commission of 1866. Upon its conclusion in July, instead of retuming East, he went with the military under Gen. Carrington to the newly built Fort Phil Keamy where he was murdered in September, a few months before the Fetterman Massacre.

    This important and strikingly solemn, Historical Stereoview is in very good condition - the focus is sharp, contrast strong and the tonality good although there are some light areas along the left hand side of both of the images. This is not a static Image by the normal movement of the citizens gathered to show their respects give the Photograph that “moment in time” quality that is seldom captured by 19th century photography. Both Images are clean and crisp while the card mount is lightly soiled and edge worn as can be seen in the scans below.

     An exceptionally rare and captivating, original 1865 Stereo Photograph of the Funeral of Abraham Lincoln at Springfield, Illinois by photographer Ridgfield Glover and a fantastic addition to any collection!!