Antiqueprintopia Header


Antique Print Description

This is an original engraved print (not a modern reproduction) titled,"The Army Of The Potomac - The Blue Ridge, From General Shaler's Head,Quarters. - Sketched By A. R. Waud." It was published in a Civil War era Harper's Weekly, October 24, 1863 and measures 4.5" x 13.5" with 1/4" margins. (Please note: margin below title is narrow and tiny chip from upper right corner) The print is in very good condition for an item over 150 years old and has structurally sound and flexible paper. It is a highly displayable Civil War collectible and is guaranteed to be as described. You may be interested in our other listings on eBay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are those odd lines on the image a defect in the print?
Antique prints often have faint vertical or horizontal lines visible. Rather than a defect, they are a fascinating historical artifact of the popular engraving process employed by newspapers at the time of the Civil War? During the war, newspaper publishers needed a method where they could get the illustrations produced by newspaper artists in the battlefield to the American public as quickly as possible.

To do this, the illustration was divided into sections usually two inches square. Double page prints were divided into as many as 40 sections. The section was traced onto a wood block. Engravers cut into the wood with various tools creating a mirror image of their section of the illustration. The blocks were then screwed together, recreating the original illustration. This would then be inked and stamped onto the newsprint. The lines on the image above are a result of where the blocks of wood were joined together.
Will my antique print deteriorate?
Before 1870, newspapers were not made from wood pulp as they are today. Instead, they were printed on a sturdy paper made by pulping linen rags. These rags came from clothing and ship sails. Because this kind of paper contains very little acid, your antique print could easily retain its appearance for many years into the future, if handled properly.
Why do people purchase antique prints and maps?
Antique prints and maps portray a moment in history. Because they represent a broad range of subjects, they are particularly useful when looking for a unique gift. Interior design has become a huge market for antique prints. From small framed botanicals to large Civil War maps, from large framed old city views to a collection of framed Harper's satirical cartoons, antique prints provide a world of design possibility. If properly framed, antique prints and maps can be preserved for many decades.
Is this item really authentic or just a reproduction?
You can have confidence that the item you purchase is guaranteed to be an original and not a modern day reproduction of any kind.
Can I return an item I purchase?
All purchases come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.