Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

March 2026 Unreserved Photo Auction — Curiosities, Performers & Vernacular Photography

Sat, Mar 28, 2026 01:00PM EDT
  2026-03-28 13:00:00 2026-03-28 13:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : March 2026 Unreserved Photo Auction — Curiosities, Performers & Vernacular Photography https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/march-2026-unreserved-photo-auction-curiosities-performers-vernacular-photography-22648
Our March 2026 auction presents a wide selection of historical photographs, postcards, entertainment memorabilia, and visual curiosities spanning the mid-nineteenth through twentieth centuries. Every lot is offered completely without reserve, ensuring that each item sells to the highest bidder regardless of price. Combined purchases totaling $500 or more qualify for free shipping, providing collectors an added incentive to bid across multiple lots. The unreserved format creates opportunities for both new and experienced collectors to acquire unusual and historically interesting material.
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Lot 142

3 Children with Farming Toys Cabinet Card, Geissler & Luckin Riga

Estimate: $50 - $400
Starting Bid
$10

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
Cabinet card photograph depicting three young children posed in a carefully arranged studio setting surrounded by toys and illustrated prints. One child sits atop a rustic studio prop while the other two stand and sit nearby, all dressed in coordinated sailor-style outfits typical of late nineteenth-century children's portrait fashion. Small toy animals and figures are arranged on the floor in front of them along with printed sheets showing animal illustrations, suggesting a playful staged environment intended to evoke childhood learning and amusement.

The mount bears the imprint “Geissler & Luckin – Riga.” The reverse advertises the firm’s photographic studio: “Atelier für Photographie, Platinotypie & Vergrößerung, Reliefphotographie… Kinder & Gruppenaufnahmen… Geissler & Luckin, Riga, Alexander-Strasse No. 8.” The design indicates a professional European studio offering platinum prints, enlargements, and specialized portrait services, with particular emphasis on children and group portraits, as stated in the printed text.

The cabinet card is dated in manuscript 17 June 1901 on the reverse. Portraits of children posed with toys and printed picture sheets were popular in turn-of-the-century studios, combining portraiture with symbolic references to education, play, and early childhood life.

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