6188

19th Century

IMPORTANT COLLECTION PERTAINING TO U.S. NAVY REAR ADMIRAL AUGUSTUS LUDLOW CASE

Includes four China Trade portrait miniatures depicting Case at various stages of his life, two photographs and a Mexican-American War Veteran's medal, all housed in a bone veneer box. Case (1813-1893) was appointed midshipman in 1828, and his record of service included the Wilkes Expedition, during which Antarctica was discovered, as well as holding the town of Palisada for two weeks with only 25 men during the Mexican-American War, commanding several fleet squadrons, and serving as chief of the Bureau of Ordnance. He attained the rank of rear admiral in 1872 and retired in 1875. Two ships have been named in his honor.

One portrait miniature housed in a silk-covered case with label for "Yeu-Qua, Painter. No 93, Queen's Road, Hongkong[sic].". Other three portraits believed to also be the work of Yeu-Qua.

Hand-colored three quarter-length photograph marked for Napoleon Sarony, New York, with "Sarony Gold Medal Paris, 1878" on reverse. Other marked for Mathew Brady, Washington, D.C., with "Brady's National Portrait Gallery and Museum of Historic Photography" on reverse. This photograph is nearly identical to one of the portrait miniatures and was possibly used as the source material.

Mexican-American War Veteran's shield-shaped medal with a ship, cannon, military and Mexican motifs, "Mexico" and "1846", bordered by the names of major battles. Engraved verso "Aug Ludlow Case Lieutenant US Navy".
Largest portrait 6" x 4". Medal 1.5" x 1.375". Box height 3". Width 9". Depth 6.5".
Condition: ** This item is not available for international delivery. Please be aware of your local laws and regulations and bid accordingly. **

The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of defects. All items may have normal signs of age and wear commensurate with their age; these issues will likely not be mentioned in the condition report. Please contact Eldred's before the auction with any condition questions. Questions about condition will not be answered after purchase. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Important note on frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses. If you have questions about the condition of a frame, please contact us prior to the auction. 

  • Provenance: Notes:
    Yeu-Qua, alternately spelled Yeuqua, was a prominent Chinese portrait painter who worked in Hong Kong, active from about 1850 to 1885. He is considered one of the most celebrated China Trade portraitists of his era, known for detailed and realistic portrayals of his subjects that blended Chinese and European artistic traditions.

    He was typically commissioned by Westerners visiting China and would often depict them in Hong Kong, or in a context related to their trade or travels. He also portrayed Chinese subjects against Chinese backgrounds, as well as naval battles and cityscapes. Working in both watercolor and oil, his work is characterized by accurate depictions of attire and surroundings.

    Several of his works are held by museums and art institutions.

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March 3, 2026 9:30 AM EST
East Dennis, MA, US

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