Pair of CDVs, one featuring a painted spread eagle, with riband inscriptions [above]: “Presented by Colored Citizens of Philadelphia, Aug. 31, 1863, [below] “6^th United States Colored Troops.” Other CDV depicts scene with black soldier standing at attention alongside the figure of “Columbia”, with riband inscriptions [above], “Freedom for All”, and [below] “6^th United States Colored Troops”.

David Bustill Bowser was a noted black Philadelphia artist awarded the commission to execute the presentation flags given to US colored regiments raised at Camp Penn in 1863 and 1864. His gorgeously rendered flags were photographed at the time of their presentation, and then put in storage following the war. Later given to the US Military Academy Museum at West Point, Bowser’s flags were unfortunately thrown out in the 1940s, and photos of seven of them are the only historical record left. These images are crisp and clear, though with light background. Reverse side displays slight glue marks in corners. Else VG.

The 6^th U.S.C.T. was organized at Philadelphia’s William Penn in August 1863. Posted in Yorktown until May 1864, the unit was attached to Butler’s Army of the James, was engaged in the Siege of Petersburg, and later participated in the Battles of Chaffin’s Farm and Fair Oaks in September/October 1864. Still later it participated in the expedition against Ft. Fisher, NC, and served in the 1865   Carolina campaign that ended with the Confederate surrender at the Bennett House in late April.  During service the 6^th USCT lost 87 men killed and mortally wounded and 137 by disease for a total 224.

Scarce memento of a gallant black regiment. Superb USCT collectible.