American military officer and polar explorer (1844–1935) who led a notable expedition to the Arctic during 1881–1884, setting a new ‘farthest north’ record. Stranded and without food, the party lost 18 of its 25 men to starvation, drowning, and hypothermia, and another man was executed per Greely’s orders. Greely was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1935. Original 2.5 x 4 carte-de-visite photo of Greely by T. Lilienthal, and so stamped on the reverse, boldly signed in black ink on the lower portion of the image and border, “A. W. Greely, Capt[ain] 81[st] U[nited] S[tates] C[olored] I[nfantry].” In fine condition, with light soiling. Quite rare this early in his career and especially from the "Colored" ranks of the Union Army. RRAuction COA.
