Spanish Colonial Soldiers - Ejército de Ultramar (Vintage Photo ~1890s)

Rare Large 1898 Spanish Colonial Soldiers Photo Cuba Philippines Melilla Ceuta 

Photographer/Publisher: Vintage Photographic Studio Portrait.

Region of Origin: Spanish Overseas Colonies (Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines) or Spanish North African Garrisons (Ceuta / Melilla).

Estimated Date: c. 1895–1898 (Spanish-American War / Melilla War Era).

Format: Rare Large Format Mounted Photograph / Presentation Tableau (Total size with original cardboard mount is approx. 24 x 30 cm).

Photographic Process: Genuine late 19th-century silver-based or albumen print with rich sepia-toned coloration, mounted onto its original heavy cardboard backing with decorative borders.

Historical Significance, Context & Provenance: This is an exceptionally rare and historically significant large-format military photograph capturing five Spanish colonial soldiers (Ejército de Ultramar / Africa Garrisons) posing during a gathering at the end of the 19th century. Given its impressive size, this print was produced as a high-quality presentation piece, likely intended for an officer's personal display. The soldiers are dressed in standard tropical campaign uniforms featuring distinct dark shoulder straps, widely worn during conflicts like the Spanish-American War or the Melilla Campaigns of the 1890s. The foreground showcases outstanding militaria details, including two iconic Spanish colonial pith helmets (Salacot), a long military Mauser rifle with a fixed sword bayonet, and an officer's sword.

The reverse side features a contemporary handwritten pencil inscription in Spanish: "Vasa n.º 00 oro con vidrio 50", which represents vintage framing instructions ("gold frame with glass") from a Spanish-speaking studio or framer, confirming its authentic geographic and historical provenance from the final years of the Spanish Empire.

Image Surface: Good historic preservation with authentic warm sepia tones, fine details, and natural fading consistent with age.

Mount: Original sturdy cardboard backing. Shows typical minor corner wear, light aging, and foxing around the edges, adding to its vintage character.

Flaws: No major tears affecting the main image area. Absolutely NO modern pen marks or alterations to the photo surface.

size photo: ~ 19 x 23.7 cm (1 cm ~ 0.39 inch)

total size:   24 x 30 cm

condition: very good...top left and bottom right corner of cardboard bend....very nice condition for a 100+ year old photo.....please also refer to scans which show complete front and reverse of photo

photography, fotografie, spanish colony, military, sodiers, colonialism