Large WWI Buffalo Soldiers Photo Set, 1915

Buffalo Soldiers, WWI

About this Item

[WWI] [African American] [Military] Two large black and white photographs on original boards of two Buffalo Soldiers and one soldier out of uniform with his wife. Measurements range from 9" x 15" to 9" x 17". Markings en verso of the man with his wife has the date "12/10/ [19]15", and "Mrs. Frank Joe." Both are very slightly colorized as was typical of large framed photographs. These kinds of photographs are extremely scarce and are the only ones we have encountered at this size. One photograph shows "Frank Joe" husband in WWI US Army uniform standing next to another black soldier, they both wear Buffalo Soldiers double breasted mid length wool coats with the collars popped, lace up boots, and Dough Boy hats. The soldier on the right has a cigar hanging out of his mouth giving him a cool nonchalant look, and Frank cooly holds his hands in his pockets. The other photograph is a studio shot, and and shows Frank out of uniform with his wife (or girlfriend), He is wearing slacks and a white button up as he sits on the arm of a wicker chair next to his wife (presumably). Moderate edge wear and chipping, staining to corners, and photographs have old tape repair on recto, to the bottom quarter, by their feet. Photographs of Black soldiers during the first world war are scarce, especially in this large size.

Seller Inventory # 21162

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Large WWI Buffalo Soldiers Photo Set, 1915
• Binding: Hardcover
• Seller catalogs:
  • Photography
  • World War I
  • African American
  • Military