Title:
Civil War Era Abraham Lincoln Funeral Car Cabinet Card Photograph by Chas. Bierman, Published 1879, Featuring New York Funeral Procession Scene

Description:
Original nineteenth-century cabinet card photograph depicting the funeral car used during the New York City memorial observances for President Abraham Lincoln following his assassination in 1865. The image is titled "Funeral Car of President Lincoln. New York, April 26th, 1865" and bears a copyright date of 1879. The photograph was produced by Charles Bierman of 229 Bowery, New York, and shows the elaborately decorated funeral car drawn by a team of horses during the public mourning ceremonies that accompanied Lincoln's funeral procession through New York City.

The reverse features the imprint of P. Relyea, Practical Undertaker, located at No. 3 Willet Street, New York, with a Brooklyn branch at 142 Broadway. Particularly notable is the printed statement: "Undertaker for President Lincoln, New York, April 26th, 1865." This attribution connects the card to an individual involved in the funeral arrangements associated with Lincoln's New York memorial observances.

The cabinet card exhibits the typical characteristics of late nineteenth-century photographic memorabilia, including a mounted albumen print and period advertising imprint on the reverse. Condition appears consistent with age, showing toning, edge wear, and handling marks expected of an artifact over 140 years old.

Historical Context:
President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865, and died the following morning. Following a national period of mourning, Lincoln's body was transported by funeral train from Washington, D.C., to Springfield, Illinois. Along the route, major cities held elaborate public ceremonies allowing citizens to pay their respects.

New York City's observance on April 24-25, 1865, was among the largest displays of public mourning in American history. Buildings were draped in black crepe, military units lined the streets, and enormous crowds gathered to witness the solemn procession. The ornate funeral car depicted on this card became one of the most recognizable visual symbols of Lincoln's funeral ceremonies. The image preserves a scene associated with one of the defining moments of national grief in the aftermath of the Civil War and Lincoln's martyrdom.

By the late 1870s, photographs and commemorative images related to Lincoln's funeral had become highly sought-after keepsakes, reflecting the enduring reverence Americans held for the slain president. The connection to undertaker P. Relyea further enhances the historical interest of the piece, linking it directly to individuals involved in the funeral arrangements during this pivotal national event.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
N/A.

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This evocative cabinet card combines multiple layers of Lincolniana: a period photographic representation of the famed funeral car, a documented connection to a funeral professional associated with Lincoln's New York memorial observances, and a striking visual reminder of one of the most significant moments of collective mourning in American history. Its blend of Civil War-era subject matter, nineteenth-century photographic production, and funeral procession provenance makes it a compelling artifact for collectors of Lincoln memorabilia, Civil War history, funeral ephemera, and early photography.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.