Michael Lehr Antiques
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May Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, May 6, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-05-06 11:00:00 2026-05-06 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : May Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/may-vernacular-photo-history-auction-22757
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 109

African American Group Portrait, Sherman County, 1912

Estimate: $200 - $400
Starting Bid
$20

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$100 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,500
Gelatin silver photograph mounted to period card, depicting a large group of African American men, women, and children posed outdoors, identified in period pencil on the verso as “Sherman County 1912.” No photographer’s imprint is visible. The composition and dress are consistent with early 20th century vernacular group portraiture. The group is arranged in three tiers, with seated men in the foreground wearing suits and work clothes, and standing figures behind, including several women in light-colored dresses with high collars and long sleeves typical of the period. Two adult men flank the group at left and right, both in dark suits; the man at right stands with arms crossed. The setting appears to be a rural or wooded area, with large trees, a split-rail fence, and additional figures seated in the background suggesting a gathering or community event. The photograph shows a pronounced vertical crease at center and a horizontal crease across the middle, with additional edge wear and handling marks to the mount. The verso inscription reads “1912 Sherman County,” written in pencil at upper left.

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