eBay

This is an original period image from the Library of Congress, the National Archives and other quality sources restored and tinted by the internationally known color artist and author of "Restoring and Tinting Vintage Images", David Richardson. This is an exclusive listing of his work on ebay.

Each image is taken from a high resolution negative and then cleaned of blemishes, damage, scratches, and whatever the decades have caused. Then the image is carefully brought back to life by adding color to the black and white image. By using these techniques the hands of time are turned back and for the first time you can see the images in color as they might have been on the day they were taken.

You have your choice of size and finish for the photo. Note that the size you choose may require cropping and the finished image may appear slightly different than the one shown. If preferred a white border can be added above/below or left/right to allow all of the original image to print. Unless requested when placing your order, your image may be cropped. If you would like to see how a specific image will look for the size you have chosen, please contact us and indicate the size you are interested in.

Matte Finish:

E-Surface Photo Paper is by far our most popular photographic paper. As a professional paper, it boasts rich, sharp color that won't fade or yellow, creating beautiful prints that will last for years to come.

Glossy (Metallic) finish:

Our Metallic Photo Paper features a unique pearlescent surface. It offers highly saturated colors, ultra-bright backgrounds, and will last a lifetime with typical home storage.

Topographical engineers

Yorktown, VA

May 2, 1862

The origin of the Topographical Engineers dates back to the War of 1812, when they were part of the Army Corps of Engineers. From 1838, the Corps of Topographical Engineers existed independently as an Army Unit for 25 years until 1863. Their primary responsibility was to conduct surveys and create maps for use during war. Working in conjunction with the Army Corps of Engineers, they helped draw up plans for much of the engineering work that was done on fortifications and civil engineering projects.

The Topographical Engineers helped to map rivers, railroads, territorial boundaries, elevation and other details of mapping for both government and private use. Future generals such as George Meade and Joseph E. Johnston had begun their careers as Topographical Engineers. With the start of the Civil War many of these maps were used to help define battle plans and determine troop movements. The use of hot air balloons was used for the first time to help conduct aerial surveys. By 1863, it was clear that the duties of the Topographical Engineers overlapped greatly with the Corps of Engineers and the two were brought together again.

The men in this image demonstrate some of the tools of the trade. To the far left can be seen a surveyor’s scope and to the far right is steel tape (use to provide precise measurement of distance). Featured in the image William Paine (seated far left), who invented steel tape as well as (most likely) Allan Pinkerton (standing second from right). There also appears to be a foreign observer (third from right).