Trio of Pittsburgh Sanitary Fair CDVs

Lot of 3 CDVs featuring groups of possible performers from the Pittsburgh Sanitary Fair, which opened on June 7, 1864, the first showing a group of six women all wearing corsets; the second showing a group of six women and one man, with one woman dressed as a nun and the man dressed in a large plumed hat and holding a dagger, with partially clipped Pittsburgh photographer imprint on verso, "Purviance's Photograph Rooms;" the third showing a group of four women, with pencil inscription reading, "Pittsburgh / Sanitary Fair" on verso.

The US Sanitary Commission, created in June of 1861, was purposed to support US Army soldiers during the Civil War, especially with their growing sanitary needs including medicine and other hospital supplies. From 1863-1865, the primary means of fundraising for the USSC was hosting "sanitary fairs" in northern cities, by which local communities could get involved and contribute to the war effort. These fairs were typically held by women from the upper classes of society, and included a variety of attractions such as booths, expositions, balls, parades, auctions, raffles, and more. All together, these fairs raised a total of 4.5 million dollars for the USSC. One of the most profitable of these fairs, the Pittsburgh Sanitary Fair raised over $300,000 alone.
Condition Report: CDVs with surface soil, discoloration (particularly the last one), and wear to edges and corners (including folded corner on first image).