This antique carte de visite (CDV) photograph is a full-length studio portrait of a woman from the Civil War era. She stands next to an elaborately carved wooden chair (a common studio prop of the time), with one hand resting on its arm. She wears a long, full-skirted dress in a dark fabric, featuring long sleeves, a bodice with buttons down the front, a white collar, and gathered or pleated details at the waist and skirt. Her hair is styled in a simple center part with curls or waves framing her face, pulled back into a low bun or net. The voluminous skirt suggests support from crinoline or hoops, typical of women’s fashion in the early to mid-1860s.

Photographer Information

The back of the card has a printed imprint for Chas. P. Fetsch, Photographer, located in New Albany, Ind. (full imprint: “CHAS. P. FETSCH, PHOTOGRAPHER, New Albany, Ind.”). Historical records show Charles P. Fetsch (also spelled Pfetsch or similar variants) as an active photographer and artist in New Albany, Indiana, from around 1858 onward. He operated at addresses like the southeast corner of Main and Pearl Streets (1858-1859) and later at 74 Pearl Street, producing CDVs and other portraits. He worked in the region through at least the mid-1860s, with examples of his work documented in Indiana historical collections, including portraits from New Albany and nearby Louisville, KY. Fetsch is noted in directories and archives for Civil War-era photography in southern Indiana.

Dating Estimate

• A 3-cent U.S. proprietary revenue stamp (green, featuring George Washington in a circular design, inscribed “U.S. INTER. REVENUE” and “PROPRIETARY”) is affixed to the back. These stamps were required on photographs sold commercially under the Revenue Act of 1862 to fund the Civil War, specifically from September 1, 1862, to August 1, 1866 (after which the tax ended). The 3-cent denomination applied to items valued between 26 and 50 cents.

• The card mount features a simple double-line border with rounded or lightly trimmed corners, consistent with mid-1860s CDV formats.

• The woman’s dress style, with its wide hoop-supported skirt, buttoned bodice, and overall silhouette, matches women’s fashion trends of the early to mid-1860s (peak Civil War period).

• Fetsch’s documented activity in New Albany aligns with this timeframe, as his studio produced tax-stamped CDVs during the war years.

Combined, these elements date the CDV to the mid-1860s, most likely 1864-1866.

Condition

The photograph exhibits typical age toning, some light soiling or spotting, and minor edge wear appropriate for its vintage. The image retains good clarity and detail, especially in the facial features and clothing textures. The revenue stamp is intact and canceled (as was standard practice, often by pen or initials).

Collectibility

This is an authentic Civil War-era CDV from a regional Indiana photographer, enhanced by the revenue stamp that ties it directly to the wartime tax period. It appeals to collectors of antique photography, Midwestern (Indiana) history, women’s Victorian fashion of the 1860s, or revenue-stamped portraits. Card measures approximately 4” x 2.5”.

If you don’t love it, feel free to take advantage of our no hassle return policy. We pack carefully and typically ship the same or next business day.