Auction of Books and Documents Pertaining to the Wars of Intervention in Mexico

The upcoming Auction of Books and Documents Pertaining to the Wars of Intervention in Mexico will be offered by Morton Subastas. One example of the books on offer is The War Between the United States and Mexico: Illustrated, Embracing Pictorial Drawings of All the Principal Conflicts, by Carl Nebel. Though Nebel was a German engineer, architect, and draughtsman, he is best known for his paintings and lithographs of the battles of the Mexican-American War, which can be seen on the pages of this book. Also in the sale is a single copy of his lithograph portraying of the Battle of Cerro Gordo. Up for bid is a first-edition copy of the first printed political constitution of Mexico, the full title of which translates to the Federal Constitution of the United Mexican States, Sanctioned by the General Constituent Congress, on October 4, 1824. 

Other than books, there are also a number of documents in the auction, including a handwritten invitation by Hidalgo y Costilla to Colonel Narciso de la Canal. The letter relates to the armed independence movement. Costilla was a Spanish Roman Catholic priest as well as a leader of the Mexican War of Independence. Also represented in the sale are a number of photographic lots, including one framed set of individual portraits of Maximilian I of Mexico and Carlota (or Charlotte, Empress of Mexico), as well as a collection of postcards from the war. Included titles in the set of postcards tell the story of their content: Killed in Front of Hotel Diligencias, Burial Scene After the Big Battle, Executed in Mexico, Horse and Man Killed in a Cavalry Battle in Mexico, and Body of Col. Enrique Portilla Executed in Juarez, Mex.

Interested bidders will also find military medals for sale, such as a few military merits and a legion of honor medal. View any of these lots and register to bid on Bidsquare.