Civil War-Era Valentine with Original Patriotic Envelope

Civil War-Era Valentine with Original Patriotic Envelope - Inventory Number: DOC 395

A poignant and beautifully preserved Civil War-era valentine, combining themes of romantic devotion and patriotic fervor. The front features an intricately embossed lace-paper design surrounding a hand-colored lithograph of a soldier and woman in a red dress holding hands. Affixed to the lower center is a printed poem in blue ink titled with the opening line:

“What is beauty but a flower / That may wither in an hour?”

“Life is short, Oh! then be mine — / Wilt thou be my Valentine? / You’re not so sure, of letter thine / Pray then, answer by a line, / Wilt thou be my Valentine?”

This valentine is a rare surviving example of the sentimental culture that flourished during the Civil War, particularly among soldiers and their sweethearts separated by conflict.

Excellent overall for its age, with minor foxing and age toning. The colors remain vivid, and the embossing is crisp. A fine addition to any Civil War, ephemera, or Americana collection.

Comes housed in 12 x 16 riker display case with blue velvet and descriptive card.

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Inventory Number: DOC 395