Woman who disguised herself as a man named ‘Jack Williams’ in order to fight alongside her husband for the Union Army in 1861. They enlisted in a Missouri regiment and are said to have served in both cavalry and artillery units; Clalin is thought to have been engaged in 17 battles, being wounded three times. It is unclear how her true identity came to light, but she was discharged in 1863. Original 2.5 x 4 carte-de-visite full-length portrait of Clalin seated and in uniform as ‘Jack Williams,’ wearing a nine button shell jacket and broad brimmed hat adorned with a crossed sabers hat pin, her saber resting upon her shoulder. Published by S. Masury of Boston, and bears a three-cent revenue stamp affixed to reverse. In fine condition, with light corner tip dings and a hint of dampstaining to the bottom edge. Accompanied by an original presentation mat. Clalin photographs are always in high demand due to both her fascinating biography and their incredible rarity—only a handful have come to market in recent years. This is an especially interesting example, as this particular carte-de-visite provided the cover image for the book I'll Pass for Your Comrade: Women Soldiers in the Civil War. An outstanding, crystal-clear image of the woman soldier in disguise. RR Auction COA.
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