Curious and Unusual 1865 American Civil War Paper Hand Fan microscope slides sold through its co-operative stores

sold through its co-operative stores as well as exported

ink clear and very readable

closes and locks tight

so no way could I resist this trunk

Curious and Unusual 1865 American Civil War Paper Hand Fan microscope slides sold through its co-operative storesI purchased this fan from my favorite rare book seller, not knowing quite what to make of it, but finding it quite an interesting, unusual and striking looking thing. I am not enough of a Civil War expert to unpack it, but I am pretty certain the choice of blue ink for the printing connects it the Union, while the serpent at the center of the fan represents the Confederacy. It seems possible, with numbers 1 7 along the left side, that it makes