OLD BALDY (MEADE’S HORSE) CABINET CARD PHOTO

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Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 2024-5119

‘Old Baldy’, the most famous of the war horses used by General George G. Meade was raised on the western frontier, and brought east as a U.S. Cavalry mount. At the outbreak of the Civil War ‘Baldy’ was ridden by General David Hunter, and at the First Battle of Bull Run, July 21st, 1861, Baldy was wounded on his nose by a piece of shell, and, perhaps also on his flank, as a scar was later visible there from an unknown action. He was returned to the Cavalry Depot at Washington, D.C. to recuperate and return to service.  He was, however, afterwards purchased by General George G. Meade, from the Quartermaster Department at Washington, D.C. in September of 1861 for $150, and was ridden by Meade almost exclusively through actions and campaigns through the Battle of Gettysburg, and in the following actions:

Drainsville, Va.  December 20th, 1861; Mechanicsville, Va. June 26th, 1862. ; Gaines Mill, Va. June 27, 1862; Groveton, Va. August 29, 1862; Second Bull Run, Va. August 30, 1862; South Mountain, Md. September 14, 1862; Antietam, Md.  September 17, 1862; Fredericksburg, Va.  December 13, 1862; Chancellorsville, Va. May 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 1863; and Gettysburg, Pa. July 1st, and 2nd,  1863; end of his combat service prior to the Overland Campaign.

Old Baldy was wounded as many as 5 documented times and survived a severe stomach wound inflicted on July 2nd along the southern portion of the Union line on Cemetery Ridge.  Meade often rode Baldy after the war. When the famous soldier died in 1872, Baldy was the riderless horse at Meade's elaborate funeral. The beloved Baldy now became known as "Old Baldy." He lived another 10 years after Meade's demise and was retired to a farm near Jenkintown where he passed away on Christmas Day, 1882. According to legend, Old Baldy was buried on the farm, but a couple of Meade's veterans quickly dug up the carcass and had his head mounted. However, historians believe that these men who served under Meade were granted permission to remove and mount the head of the noble steed.  Old Baldy’s head would become the well-known mascot of Philadelphia GAR Post 1, occupying a space behind the post commander’s chair where he remains to this day as part of the GAR museum.

This rare cabinet card photo shows a dual view of Old Baldy on his wooden mounting plaque, featuring his battle honors and various woundings. The mounting card is an off-white color with some minor wear to the right edge and all corners but the lower left.  The photo itself is in nice condition with only a miniscule spot of light water staining at the lower right corner. A caption reads “OLD BALDY”/”Maj. Gen. Geo. G. Meade’s Veteran War Horse, with record of battles and wounds, H. W. B. Hervey and A. C. JOHNSTON, 121 N. Ninth St., Philada.” A 2-paragraph description of Old Baldy’s early life and service is present on the reverse.  A slight stain is noted over the “L” of the heading. Overall measurements are 4.3” x 7”.

A neat photo of an innocent hero of the darkest pursuits of man.  Truly worthy of any collection.  [CM][PH:L]

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