News of the arrest of veteran archivist
Daniel Lorello, who admitted to stealing hundreds of historic items from the New York State Library, was brought to my attention in yesterday’s mail. I received a letter from the New York Attorney General’s Office. It provided basic details about the case, including an examination of eBay records, which appears to have been his preferred method of disposing of the stolen property. Three
carte de visite photographs that I purchased in the last two years came from Lorello, all identified soldiers from New York regiments.
I replied immediately by email, explaining that the images are in my possession, safely stored in archival materials, and that I would cooperate fully with the investigation.
My first and foremost desire is to restore these photographs to their rightful owners — the citizens of New York.
I am profoundly disturbed by the conduct of Mr. Lorello. To violate the trust that comes with his position for personal gain is unconscionable. Lorello’s actions disrespect his fellow citizens, educators and historians, and, perhaps most importantly, future generations of Americans who will seek to understand and appreciate our past.
While eBay served as a sales tool for stolen property, it also led to Lorello’s arrest after an alert eBayer found a one-of-a-kind letter signed by John C. Calhoun — a document that the eBayer learned had belonged to the state.
Cartes de visite are not one-of-kind documents. Their original popularity is due to the fact that multiple prints could be made from a single glass negative and were sold by the dozen. A surprising number of prints survive. For this reason, they are easier to sell or otherwise dispose of than an original Calhoun letter.
Regardless, we have a responsibility to be watchful for stolen items, as well as counterfeits and other forgeries. I’ve seen all of this during my experience as a collector. I always have, and will continue, to see that justice is done and that these unique relics are in their proper, legal place.
David Cress emailed me with a question about a compelling outdoor carte de visite by Armstead & Taylor of Corinth, Miss. According to Cress, "I contacted an architectural historian for the state of Mississippi who did his master's thesis on the buildings of Corinth c1860 and he is positive the photo was not taken in this area. He suspects the photo may have been taken in Tennessee or Georgia while the photographer was traveling with the army," and added, "Do you know anyone who has expertise in the Southwestern theater of war who might be able to help identify the location? Any help would be appreciated."
