Harper’s Weekly April 25, 1863 – Charleston Harbor, Admiral DuPont & CSS Alabama

Harper’s Weekly April 25, 1863 – Winslow Homer, Charleston Harbor, Admiral DuPont & CSS Alabama

Description
📰 Original Civil War–era issue of Harper’s Weekly, published April 25, 1863, at the height of Union naval operations against Charleston, South Carolina.
This is an exceptionally strong and highly illustrated issue, featuring two full-page prints by Winslow Homer, a full-page Thomas Nast cartoon, major Charleston maps and harbor views, and prominent coverage of Union and Confederate naval warfare.

Highlights of This Issue
⚓ Front Page – Union Naval Command
Full front-page portrait:
“Admiral Samuel F. DuPont, Commanding the Fleet Off Charleston”
Depicts the senior Union naval commander overseeing operations against Charleston Harbor
🎨 Winslow Homer – Two Full-Page Illustrations (Major Highlights)
“Great Sumter Meeting in Union Square, New York”
A powerful patriotic rally scene reflecting Northern public support for the war
“The Approach of the British Pirate ‘Alabama’”
Dramatic depiction of the Confederate commerce raider that terrorized Union shipping worldwide
🧭 Charleston & Coastal Warfare
Full-page map:
“Charleston, S.C. & Its Approaches, Showing the Scene of the Battle of April 7th”
Double-page centerfold (very displayable):
“Charleston Harbor, Looking Out to Sea”
“Charleston Harbor, Looking Toward the City”
⚔️ Thomas Nast – Prisoners of War
Full-page Nast illustration:
“A Group of Butternut Prisoners, Taken from Life”
A rare and unflinching depiction of Confederate POWs by Nast
🚢 Ironclads & Naval Innovation
One-third page: “The Ironclad ‘Keokuk’ on the Ways Before Launching”
View of experimental vessels: “The Ericsson Devil & ‘Weehawken’”
🗞️ Back Page Political Cartoon
“Keeping John Bull’s Score”
Commentary on British neutrality and Union frustration with British support of Confederate raiders like the Alabama


Condition
📌 Complete in 16 pages
📸 I photograph every page, so please review all images carefully and feel free to ask questions.
Original 1863 issue
Expected age-related toning and light wear
Strong impressions throughout, especially the Homer prints
No facsimile pages, no trimming


Why This Issue Is Especially Desirable
⭐ Two Winslow Homer full-page prints in one issue
⭐ Prominent Charleston Harbor maps and centerfold
⭐ Front-page portrait of Admiral DuPont
⭐ Coverage of the famed CSS Alabama
⭐ Strong combination of art, naval warfare, and Civil War history
This is a top-tier Harper’s Weekly, appealing equally to Civil War collectors, art collectors, and decorators.


Framing & Display
🖼️ Optional archival framing available
Acid-free matting
UV-protective acrylic (not glass)
Clean, museum-style presentation
Excellent for:
Offices and libraries
Military or maritime collections
Art-focused Civil War displays


Shipping
📦 Ships flat (never rolled)
📦 Carefully packed for protection
📦 Tracking included


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This April 25, 1863 issue is exceptional—art, naval history, and Civil War storytelling all in one.