American Civil War Period Fraternal Discharge Certificate (Chromolithograph)
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Original Presentation Script
We invite you to journey through time with this American Civil War Period Fraternal Discharge Certificate, an exquisite chromolithograph memento of patriotic valor. Framed in an original giltwood structure, it instantly draws one into the vibrant tapestry of American history, echoing the heroic service of veterans like Tillman Wamold amidst a canvas brimming with patriotic symbols. This certificate is a testament to the artistic fusion of military commemoration and the folk art tradition in post-Civil War America. Its inscriptions offer a personal narrative—Company A, 104th Regiment, and later, the 5th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Infantry, allowing us a glimpse into the soldier's story enlivened through vibrant imagery and script. As we delve into its craftsmanship, the chromolithography technique stands out as an icon of its era—each detail bespeaks artistry and precision. Housed within its period-original giltwood frame, this piece commands respect, embodying the essence of hand-crafted artistry from the late 19th century. Examining its condition, we note the paper's gentle foxing and the frame's endearing scuffs, adding layers of authenticity, while the handwritten annotations and vivid colors remain remarkably well-preserved. These subtle signs of aging bestow upon it the grace of genuineness. With an authenticity score of 80%, this memento is confidently valued in the $200 to $400 range at auction, pending direct examination. A piece such as this captivates collectors, inviting them to secure a narrative thread from American history woven intricately through image and script. Thank you for allowing this gaze into a cherished past, where service and art harmonize exquisitely.
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Item Report
American Civil War Period Fraternal Discharge Certificate (Chromolithograph)
By:Published expressly for the Army and Navy Record Co. (printer/publisher, exact artist unknown)
Style:American Civil War / Patriotic Folk Art
Origin:United States
Materials:Chromolithograph on paper, period giltwood frame, glass
Age:Circa 1865–1880
Condition:Very Good (minor visible age toning, colors strong, frame shows some surface scuffs)
Value:$200–$400 (auction liquidation value, presuming authenticity and original frame with no serious damage)
Maker's Marks / Writing:Handwritten text: 'This is to Certify that Tillman Wamold ... Company A, 104th Regt Pennsyl Vol Infantry ... Company A, 5th Regt Pennsyl Vol Infantry ... Honorably Discharged ...' Lower center ident portrait: 'Abraham Lincoln President U.S.' Publisher: 'Published expressly for the Army and Navy Record Co.'
Date:2025-08-02 09:14:44.911048
Description:
This is a framed original chromolithographed discharge certificate from the American Civil War era, issued to Tillman Wamold. The document features richly colored patriotic imagery, including eagle, flags, military scenes, and a central portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Text certifies honorable service in the Union Army (Company A, 104th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Infantry, and later Company A, 5th Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry), with detailed handwritten annotation and signatures. These vibrant decorated certificates were often produced for veterans and members of fraternal organizations such as the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), commemorating honorable discharge and Civil War service. The piece retains its period frame, likely giltwood with stenciled inner edge. Visible aging to the paper is consistent with late 19th-century production.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This decorated discharge certificate is an evocative and collectible artifact of post-Civil War American patriotic culture, combining both military history and folk art aesthetics. The presence of handwritten names and regimental information points to authentic, period personalization, though such certificates were mass-produced blanks finished and issued to individual veterans. The period-appropriate frame and expected age-related toning/patina are positive indicators, but collectors should always check for potential modern reproductions (for example, sharp laser printing, non-fluorescent paper, or crisp corners with no toning). A word about fakes: This category is often faked for display—look for evidence of modern printing or anachronistic details. This example appears consistent with authentic period discharge certificates; however, the final authenticity determination requires direct examination. I put my John Hancock on this opinion!
Individual Images:
Supplemental close-up images confirm period handwriting and tonal variance in ink. The detail of the Abraham Lincoln vignette
the crispness of the chromolithograph colors
and handwritten regimental and discharge data reinforce authenticity. The frame appears to be original
with defined period wear is visible—especially at corners and lower edges. No evidence of modern printing or artificial distress is apparent. Some slight foxing and paper toning consistent with late 19th-century origin.
Provenance:
No documented provenance included; details based on visible certificate inscription.
Condition:
Very Good (minor visible age toning, colors strong, frame shows some surface scuffs)
Identification Score: 98%
The certificate clearly displays identifiable Civil War and GAR motifs, period-specific design elements, and personalized veteran details, allowing for nearly full confidence in identification as a decorated discharge/fraternal certificate from this era.
Authenticity Score: 80%
The paper displays visible toning, handwriting is consistent with 19th-century ink, and iconography matches postwar GAR/Union commemorative styles. Some minor uncertainty remains as this category is frequently reproduced; authenticity is high but could be definitively confirmed with in-hand examination of the printing technique, paper, and ink.
Image Memory Note
This is a large, rectangular, gold-gilt period frame housing a decorated chromolithograph military certificate. Center text, 'This is to Certify that Tillman Wamold ... Company A, 104th Regt Pennsyl Vol Infantry ...' is written in a mix of ornate print and period handwriting. Decorative vignettes, including battle scenes, regimental insignia, and an American bald eagle with flags and scrolls bearing 'Fraternity, Charity, Loyalty.' Lower register displays a vignette portrait labeled 'Abraham Lincoln, President U.S.' and signatures/notations in brown ink. The paper shows minor foxing and age toning, frame with various scratches, and glass intact. Left and right margins show allegorical and martial imagery (soldiers, sailor, mounted officers). Lower text: 'Published expressly for the Army and Navy Record Co.' No obvious modern elements or digital printing observed.
Keywords
Civil War, discharge certificate, chromolithograph, Grand Army of the Republic, Union, patriotic, Tillman Wamold, United States, Americana, folk art, 19th century
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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