Civil War CDV – Confederate Brig. Gen. John Marshall Jones with Vanness Backmark

Civil War CDV – Confederate Brig. Gen. John Marshall Jones with Tanner & Vanness Backmark
 
This is a desirable original carte de visite (CDV) of Brigadier General John Marshall Jones, a Confederate brigade commander in the Army of Northern Virginia. The photograph features a clear, classic bust-style portrait of the general in uniform. Although the image has been neatly trimmed for album insertion (a common practice in the 19th century), it still displays great with strong facial details, good contrast, and an excellent likeness that captures the officer’s determined expression. The mount shows only minor wear consistent with age. Most importantly, the back carries a clear Tanner & Vanness photographer’s imprint from Lynchburg, Virginia — a highly sought-after Southern studio mark that adds significant collector appeal.
John Marshall Jones (1820–1864) was a Virginia native, West Point graduate (Class of 1841), and veteran of the Utah War. He resigned his U.S. Army commission in 1861 and rose through the Confederate ranks, serving as a staff officer before receiving brigade command in Edward “Allegheny” Johnson’s division. He fought at Gettysburg (where he was wounded) and in other major campaigns before being killed in action on May 5, 1864, at the Battle of the Wilderness while bravely attempting to rally his men. Identified CDVs of Confederate generals from Tanner & Vanness are uncommon, making this a solid piece for any serious Civil War photography collection, Virginia officer gallery, or Army of Northern Virginia assemblage.
 
Similar identified general officer CDVs with desirable Southern backmarks have commanded strong interest in the collector market. This example, despite the period trimming, remains visually appealing and historically significant.