Civil War Era Hand-Painted Union Soldier/Bunting Double-Sided Wooden Fan C. 1860

A rare and charming Civil War era hand-painted double-sided wooden paddle fan, circa 1860s. The round disc head is cut from thin wood with a shaped scrolled handle, a form popular as a parlor craft item during the mid-19th century. A detailed naturalist painting depicting what appears to be a male Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) perched on branches amid cherry blossoms, red tubular flowers, and large tropical leaves, with a butterfly above. Fine, accomplished hand painting in the Victorian naturalist tradition. A Civil War military scene painted within a ruled circle, two Union soldiers in blue uniforms with yellow button insignia, one with rifle raised, one reclining (wounded or fallen) — in a landscape setting with trees. The uniform details suggest careful, observed painting from period sources. Please see pictures for condition details as the photos are considered a part of the description.