Cavalry Unit in Mountain Pass (Possibly 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers)
Print (likely a limited edition lithograph or giclée) on paper, matted and framed • Likely by a contemporary military or Western history artist such as Mort Künstler or Don Stivers; signature visible in lower left corner appears to be 'Don Stivers' or similar
Style & Movement
Contemporary Military Realism / Western Illustration
Medium & Technique
Watercolor style reproduction; offset lithography or digital print on heavy paper stock with multi-layered matting
Creation Period
Late 20th Century or Early 21st Century (c. 1980–2010)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 24 x 30 inches (framed); Landscape orientation
Subject Description
A narrative military scene depicting a colonial-era or early 20th-century cavalry unit (likely Buffalo Soldiers based on uniform and gear) traversing a rugged mountain pass. A team of horses pulls a caisson or cannon (limber) in the background, while the foreground shows a commander and sub-officer on horseback, one carrying a red guidon flag. The composition uses a strong diagonal to create a sense of movement across the landscape.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the piece appears well-preserved under protective plastic wrap with no visible fading or foxing
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 (based on retail prices for framed limited edition military prints)
Auction Estimate
$75 - $150
Provenance History
Unknown; likely purchased from a gallery specializing in military history or Western art. No visible gallery labels through the plastic wrap.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the genre of historical military illustration, documenting and honoring specific regiments. Such works are highly valued in veterans' circles and by collectors of United States military history for their attention to uniform and equipment accuracy.
Notable Features
Professional triple-matting with a deep burgundy accent layer; distinctive wide wood-grain dark frame. High level of detail in the rendering of the horses and geological features of the background mountain.
Condition Issues
None visible; protected by shrink wrap and professional framing. Glass appears intact. Framing corner at bottom left shows minor handling marks on the wrap but the frame itself seems sound.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV sunlight to prevent pigment fading. Consider acid-free backing if not already present.