Orig. Antique CIVIL WAR Engrav. - Hand-Colored Portrait of GENERAL JAMES SHIELDS

Description

Original Antique Civil War Engraving - 1862
Hand-Colored Portrait of Union General James Shields
James Shields lived an amazing life.  Well chronicled on several sites on the Internet.  Born in Ireland, he had several encounters with disaster as a young man, well before coming to the United States.  In fact, he was ship wreaked on his first attempt and was only one of three survivors.
Most fascinating, to me, was the time (in 1842) when he challenged Abraham Lincoln to a duel.  Lincoln was a young lawyer in Springfield at the time.  Lincoln had published an inflammatory letter attacking Shields in a local newspaper and that started an exchange of published harsh words.  After having had enough, Shields challenged Lincoln to a duel.  As the one challenged, Lincoln selected the weapons.  He chose cavalry swords
because he felt his 6ft. 4in height was an advantage over his 5ft. 9in. opponent.  Seconds were selected as well as the time and place of the duel.  All parties showed up, but at the last minute it was called off.  Lincoln must have apologized and Shields accepted.  Imagine the consequences had the duel proceeded.  Our entire history
could have changed!
If you're an admirer of General Shields, of course, you know all this. but if unfamiliar with this General, then believe me, it would be well worth your time to read his biography on, say, Wikipedia.
Excellent condition.  Published in 'Harper's Pictorial History of the Civil War' in 1868.  Part of an engraved illustration and unrelated text on the back side.  Later hand-coloring.  Image size:  5-3/4" x  4-1/2"   Paper size:  7-3/4" x 6-1/4"
________________________________
Inv. No.  1648
There's lots more genuine antique Civil War prints in my store.  Take a look.
Browse our Store
Originality
All my prints are guaranteed to be antique, at least 100 years old.  Most are wood engravings from newspapers and magazines published while the war was in progress or, following the war's end and published in volumes reprinting articles that were published during the war, using the exact same illustrations and text.  Others are steel engravings of military officers and battle scenes that were published as book illustrations or issued in portfolios.  Also, always at least 100 years old
.
My Guarantee
If you're disappointed with your purchase for any reason, let me know and I'll await its return.  A full refund will be issued the same day it arrives.  If you simply change your mind or have buyers remorse, it's only fair that you pay the return shipping cost.  I still won't question it and will issue a full refund.  If it's my fault, I'll send you a prepaid return label.