Incredibly scarce and magnificent circa 1860s carte de visite signed by Confederate general Robert E. Lee. Beautiful large signature in flowing black fountain rating 6/10 is across the bottom of this 2.5x4" specimen. Cream-colored card stock has an albumen portrait of the West Point graduate, who finished near the top of his class. Lee would eventually join the growing Confederacy and was noted as a skilled tactician who wanted the States to remain "United," though he followed the secession wishes of his home state of Virginia and was the Army of Northern Virginia's top general in the ill-fated Civil War. Front displays some handling wear and corners are slightly rounded; back is blank except for additional signs of handling and a small brighter patch, possibly from the removal of a piece of tape. Considering its century-and-a-half vintage it remains in exceptional condition, rating Very Good-Excellent overall. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA as Authentic Auto.