Dr. Mary Walker, Two CDVs Incl. Portrait Wearing CMOH

Lot of 2 CDVs of Mary Walker, including a full-standing studio portrait showing the surgeon in both a dress and trousers, proudly wearing her Medal of Honor. Elliott & Fry: London, n.d., ca late 1860s. Trimmed, oval bust portrait of Walker on thick cardstock, 2 x 3 in., affixed to mount verso of a CDV of an unknown woman credited to Mayall: London, n.d. Each carte with penciled identification.

An 1855 graduate of Syracuse Medical College, Mary Walker (1832-1919) was an author and early feminist who gained distinction during the Civil War as a humanitarian, surgeon and spy. Walker was actually appointed surgeon of the 52nd OVI in 1863 by General Thomas in recognition of her skills and was captured in 1864 and ultimately exchanged for a Confederate officer "man for man." She was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in January 1866 on the personal recommendation of General Sherman and refused to part with it when it was revoked for "unusual circumstances" along with numerous other Civil War medals in 1917. Dr. Walker died in 1919 and it was not until 1977 that President Carter officially reinstated the award. Mary Walker remains the only woman recipient of the CMOH.
Condition Report: Elliott & Fry CDV: light toning to photograph, few minor spots. Otherwise very good condition. Mount corners clipped. Pencil ID on mount below image.

Bust-length portrait of Walker: image is quite faded, cut down to oval size and on cardstock mount. Some minor spotting on image. Pencil ID on mount below image.