Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Lot #321
Robert E. Lee Signed Photograph - Rare Full-Length Example Dated Nine Months After the Civil War

Rare signed portrait of General Robert E. Lee—his only full-length pose taken during the Civil War

Estimate: $3000+

The 30 Minute Rule begins April 15 at 7:00 PM EDT. An Initial Bid Must Be Placed By April 15 at 6:00 PM EDT To Participate After 6:00 PM EDT

Server Time: 4/10/2026 11:09:47 AM EDT
Sell a Similar Item?
Refer Collections and Get Paid

Description

Rare signed portrait of General Robert E. Lee—his only full-length pose taken during the Civil War

Rare original 2.25 x 3.75 carte-de-visite portrait of Confederate General Robert E. Lee in a full-figure pose, dressed in his military uniform, with his DeVisme presentation sword (given to him by the ladies of Baltimore) in one hand and his gloves in the other, signed neatly on the reverse in ink, “R. E. Lee.” The reverse is also signed and inscribed by Lee’s wife, Mary Custis Lee: “For Mary Skipwith from her very sincere friend, M. C. Lee, Lexington, February 1st, 1866.” Includes a 2.25 x 4 carte-de-visite photograph of Mary Custis Lee published by Vannerson & Jones of Richmond, Virginia. In fine condition, with lightly trimmed edges. Of the eight photographs of Lee known to have been taken during the Civil War, the present is the only full-standing portrait. ‘The standing view is especially notable in that Lee is wearing both his military sash and his dress sword—the only time he was ever photographed in his sash’ (Meredith, The Face of Robert E. Lee, p. 40).

Auction Info






This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $150.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.