Tintype Photograph of the First African-American Medal of Honor Winner
Full plate hand-painted tintype photograph of African-American Sergeant William H. Carney and his wife Susannah Carney. 7.25” x 10”. Carved on the back: “Sgt. Wm. Carney, 54th Mass. Vols. 1900” (the date may be 1901). The Emancipation Proclamation (January 1, 1863) officially authorized recruiting black soldiers for the first time.....