The Capture of Jeff Davis- Antique Civil War Political Satire Lithograph Nassau St NY

"The Capture of Jeff Davis"
Antique Civil War Political Satire Lithograph
Published at 111 Nassau Street, New York — circa 1865

Rare and historically significant Civil War era political satire lithograph depicting the capture of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. This original antique print represents an important piece of American political cartoon history from the immediate post-Civil War period.

Historical Context:
Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States, was captured by Union cavalry on May 10, 1865, just weeks after the Civil War ended. His capture became the subject of intense Northern propaganda and political satire. This lithograph is one of several satirical prints produced in the immediate aftermath, often depicting Davis in humiliating or comedic scenarios to celebrate the Union victory.

Publisher Significance:
The lower margin imprint reads: "Published at 111 Nassau St. N.Y. (up stairs)"

This address is historically significant as it was associated with mid-19th-century New York print publishers, specifically Currier & Ives, during their Civil War caricature production period. Nassau Street was the epicenter of American lithographic publishing in the 1860s.

Technical Details:

• Title: "The Capture of Jeff Davis"
• Medium: Lithograph
• Date: circa 1865 (immediate post-Civil War)
• Publisher: 111 Nassau Street, New York (Currier & Ives address)
• Sheet size: Approx. 18 in. × 13.5 in.
• Image/plate area: Approx. 13.5 in. × 10 in.
• Type: Political satire / propaganda print
• Subject: Jefferson Davis capture, May 1865

Authenticity Markers:

• Visible plate impression/outline around image area (see photos)
• Period lithographic printing characteristics
• Nassau Street publisher imprint
• Age-appropriate paper and toning

Condition:
Authentic antique condition consistent with 160-year-old paper ephemera.

• Age toning throughout (typical for 1860s prints)
• Foxing present (age spots)
• Edge wear and handling marks
• Some toning possibly from prior matting
• Unframed
• Image remains intact and readable
• Plate impression clearly visible

Please review all photos carefully for exact condition assessment.

Historical Significance:
Civil War political satire prints are important historical documents that capture the intense emotions, propaganda, and political climate of the Reconstruction era. "The Capture of Jeff Davis" prints were produced to celebrate Union victory and humiliate the defeated Confederacy. These prints are increasingly sought after by:

• Civil War historians and collectors
• Americana and political cartoon enthusiasts
• Currier & Ives collectors
• Reconstruction era scholars
• Museums and institutional collections

Collecting Context:
Original 1860s Civil War lithographs, particularly those with documented publisher addresses like Nassau Street, are scarce on the market. Most were discarded, damaged, or lost over the past 160 years. Surviving examples with clear provenance and readable imagery command strong collector interest.

Display & Preservation:
This print would benefit from professional conservation framing with UV-protective glass and acid-free matting to preserve it for future generations. The historical significance and rarity make it worthy of museum-quality presentation.

Shipping:
Ships flat between rigid boards for maximum protection.

A rare piece of American Civil War history—authentic 1865 political satire from the heart of New York's lithographic publishing district.