Seth Kinman, California Hunter and Trapper

Washington, D.C.: Philp & Solomons, 1860. Photograph. Very Good. Rare CDV (Carte de Visite), circa 1860s, of a California mountain man named Seth Kinman (1815-1888), a hunter and trapper and early settler of Humboldt County (and, incredibly, a chair maker famous for once giving Abraham Lincoln an elk horn chair). Perhaps most importantly though, the Carte de Visite (which measures 2 1/4" x 3 1/2") is credited to and includes the backstamp of Alexander Gardner (1821-1882), the renowned Scottish-American photographer, who was often compared to Matthew Brady and was likewise best known for his seminal work throughout the Civil War. The CDV has held up very nicely. Crisp and VG to VG+, with just a few spots of light soiling.