A Lincoln Ferrotype Using the John Gault Frame

[BillJones]

 

Many coin collectors are familiar with the encased postage pieces that John Gault patented and issued during the Civil War. These pieces provided protection for postage stamps so that they could be used as substitutes for coins during the war when most U.S. coinage was hoarded or exported. The piece shown above is an example of John Gault's own encased postage piece that advertised his name. I do not understand why Gault's name is in such small lettering compared with other Gault advertising pieces. Perhaps it was a sign of modesty.

 

Many collectors are also familiar with the ferrotype political pieces that were issued starting with the 1860 presidential election campaign. These were the first political items that incorporated photographs of the candidates into their designs.

 

One fact that many collectors might not know was that the John Gault device was used for a limited number ferrotype political items during the 1864 presidential campaign. During 1864 there were three well known candidates for president. The best known were Abraham Lincoln, who was seeking re-election, and George McClellan. In addition there was an insurgent campaign by John C. Fremont who had been the first GOP candidate in 1856. Fremont ran to the left of Lincoln and for a time threatened to split the party. Ultimately Fremont withdrew from the race before Election Day because of fears that he would split the GOP vote.

 

Here is a nice example of the 1864 Lincoln ferrotype by John Gault. The reverse photo of Lincoln's running mate, Andrew Johnson, is a bit out of focus, but this piece is a better than average example despite that .

 

[Coindude]

Really cool and interesting pieces of history.

[BKW]

Awesome piece!!

[CoinZip]

Very nice and thank you for sharing...

[Rayman311]

Neat piece