Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

Spring Photographic History Auction

Sat, May 3, 2025 01:00PM EDT
  2025-05-03 13:00:00 2025-05-03 13:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : Spring Photographic History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/spring-photographic-history-auction-19217
Raw, rare, and unforgettable—this is 19th- and early 20th-century photography at its best. Vernacular portraits, Native American warriors, African American resilience, Mormon pioneers, Western frontier families, and stark post-mortem scenes. Daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, tintypes, CDVs, and cabinet cards that capture real life without filters. Every image tells a story of survival, pride, and change. A museum-worthy collection for those who know real American history when they see it.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 272

2 Full Plate prints of Chief Navy Surgeon Dr. George Harvey

Estimate: $200 - $300
Starting Bid
$100

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Outstanding pair of full plate (approx. 8 ¼” x 6 ½”) albumen photographs depicting Dr. George Harvey, identified as Chief Surgeon, Squadron of the Gulf, U.S. Navy, along with his wife. The image of Dr. Harvey is striking, showing him seated in full naval uniform with epaulettes, double-breasted frock coat, and vest — all crisply detailed and dramatically lit. His long white beard and commanding posture underscore his senior rank and stature. His wife is captured in a matching full plate studio portrait, seated and wearing a dark silk dress with wide crinoline skirt and ornate bonnet ribbons, her gaze focused and composed.

The verso of the mount bears period ink and pencil notations confirming the sitters: “Doctor George Harvey, Chief Surgeon, Squadron of the Gulf, U.S. Navy” and “Father of Laura A.H. Shelley, Mother of David Shelley.” Both albumen prints show some perimeter wear, corner damage, and typical age toning, but remain in very good condition overall with strong contrast and clarity.

Exceptional display pieces — large format albumen prints of Civil War naval officers, especially identified high-ranking surgeons, are rare. Even rarer to find them paired with a period portrait of the officer’s wife.

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