219 300
PARODY OF THE 54TH REGIMENT SOLDIER
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CROW, THOMAS N. & JAMES N.
Dancing 54th Massachusetts Volunteer
Regiment Trooper
(supplied title). Articulated black doll, with original paint suggesting
the uniform of a black soldier. Lacks arms and lower portion of one leg; damage to head.
SOLD AS A
“
RELIC
.”
Np, 1863
[800/1,200]
Patented 1 December, 1863, this was clearly a parody of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer
Regiment. This dancing “jigger” toy, along with a host of derogatory engravings, trade cards, etc, was
part of a concerted effort to marginalize the black troops that Lincoln had authorized use of in the Fall
of 1863. Thomas and James Crow’s dancing jigger toy, patent No. 40,740 copyrighted the use of “a
negro or any other human figure.”
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(MILITARY—CIVIL WAR PHOTOGRAPHY.)
Carte-de-visite photograph
of a black soldier, identified as a cook.
Photographer, T. W. Searby stamp on the
reverse.
Philadelphia, circa 1861-1865
[800/1,200]
“Johnny Parks, Cook,” written in pencil on the reverse.
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