Harper’s Weekly, November 15, 1862 – Winslow Homer “Sharpshooter on Picket Duty,” Capitol Dome Under Construction – Civil War Newspaper

Harper’s Weekly – Journal of Civilization
New York, November 15, 1862
Original 1862 Civil War Issue — Not a reproduction

This issue is especially desirable because it includes the famous Winslow Homer engraving:

> “The Army of the Potomac — A Sharp-Shooter on Picket Duty.”



This is one of the most iconic and collected Civil War wood engravings, reflecting the emerging role of sharpshooters and the evolving character of war photography and reportage during this period. 🎯

The front page features a remarkable scene of convalescent Union soldiers passing through Washington, with the U.S. Capitol dome still under construction — making it a historically rich and highly displayable cover. 🇺🇸


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🔥 Key Illustrated Content

Front Page:
• Convalescent Soldiers Passing Through Washington to Rejoin Their Regiments
(With Capitol Dome still incomplete — important early architectural detail)

Winslow Homer Full Page:
• “The Sharpshooter on Picket Duty” — one of Homer’s earliest and most recognized war illustrations 🎨

Military Operations & Field Scenes:
• The Army of the Potomac — “Little Mac” Making His Rounds
• Summit Station on Maryland Heights
• Rebel Steamer “Oveto” Running the Blockade at Mobile

Maps & Strategic Material:
• Map of the Seat of War in Virginia — highly detailed operational military map 🗺️

Double-Page Centerfold:
• “The War for the Union — Surprise of Rebel Guerrillas by U.S. Cavalry.”
Dramatic, large-format battle composition — excellent for framing.

Naval & Industrial Targets:
• Destruction of a Rebel Salt Factory on the Coast of Florida — full-page

Back Page Political Cartoon:
• The Pirate “Alabama” — Union commentary on Confederate raiding ships


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Condition

VG — Clean and complete, with strong impressions throughout.
One margin has been trimmed slightly close at binding from original volume storage, and there is minor edge wear, both very typical for Harper’s Weekly issues removed from bound sets.
No missing pages. No cutouts. Centerfold and Homer print are excellent for display. 🖼️


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Size

Approx. 16” x 11”


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🖼 Archival Framing Available

This issue — particularly the Homer Sharpshooter and the double-page cavalry scene — looks fantastic framed.
I offer:

Acid-free archival matting

UV-protective acrylic

Matte black or walnut gallery frames


Just message me, or pair this with the Frame Only listing in my shop.


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Shipping

Ships flat, never rolled.