Second Boer War B. W. Kilburn Stereoview Cards
Updated September 20, 2026
| Lot number | 317 |
| Auction | Cedars Fine Estate Part 2 |
| Date | October 7, 2026 at 8:05 PM EDT |
| Auction house | Amber Door Estate Sales Inc. |
| Location | Niagara-on-the-Lake |
This lot comprises two original stereoview cards documenting the Second Boer War, published by B. W. Kilburn of Littleton, New Hampshire, and distributed by James M. Davis. The cards consist of dual monochrome photographic prints mounted on curved tan cardstock, designed for three-dimensional viewing through a stereoscope. The first card, numbered 14118 and titled British Troops, Church Square, Pretoria, S. A., is dated 1901. It depicts a large crowd of British military personnel and civilians gathered in Church Square, with the Dutch Reformed Church (Grote Kerk) prominent in the background. The scene captures the social atmosphere following the British occupation of Pretoria in June 1900. The second card, numbered 13770 and titled The South Lancashires, The Prince of Wales Volunteers, on the Firing Line at Colesberg, South Africa, is dated 1900. The image shows two ranks of infantry from the South Lancashire Regiment in a tactical firing position on a rocky slope. The soldiers are depicted in foreign service khaki uniforms with Wolseley-pattern pith helmets, illustrating British infantry drill during the mobile phase of the conflict. Both cards bear the publisher's mark for James M. Davis with locations in New York, St. Louis, Liverpool, Toronto, and Sydney on the left margin. The right margin includes the copyright attribution for B. W. Kilburn. The reverse of the cards features the manufacturer's credit: Photographed and Published by B. W. KILBURN, = Littleton, N. H. Dimensions: W approx. 7.0 in x H approx. 3.5 in. Condition: The cards are in good vintage condition showing typical signs of age. There is general toning to the tan cardstock mounts. The photographic surfaces exhibit light foxing and minor surface soiling. Bumping is visible at the corners, with light wear along the edges of the mounts. The photographic clarity and contrast remain good for the period.
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