Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, Jun 24, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-06-24 11:00:00 2026-06-24 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/june-2026-vernacular-photo-history-auction-23574
Our June 2026 auction presents a focused and exceptional selection of historical photographs spanning the 1840s through the early twentieth century, with unusual depth in named subjects, rare formats, and documented provenance anchored by strong vernacular material that rewards close looking.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 289

Autographed Cabinet Card, A. N. Kedsworth, Alabama Pete, Chicago

Estimate: $50 - $100
Starting Bid
$25

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$100 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $5,000
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
A. N. Kedsworth, performing under the stage name Alabama Pete, has signed this cabinet card across the image face with a personal inscription, making it a signed presentation copy by Morrison, Haymarket Theatre Building, 161 West Madison Street, Chicago. The albumen print dates to the mid-1890s based on the studio's documented award history, and the stone wall backdrop and worn costume suggest a theatrical character role rather than a straightforward portrait sitting.

Kedsworth stands in full length wearing a tattered long dark coat over a patterned shirt and ragged trousers, his white hair close-cropped and a short white beard visible, holding a crumpled cloth in both hands before him. His expression is intense and direct and his posture slightly stooped. The painted backdrop depicts a stone wall surface and paved floor consistent with an outdoor poverty or genre scene setting.

Morrison's studio at the Haymarket Theatre Building was among the most decorated photographic establishments in Chicago during the 1890s, receiving the Highest Award at the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893, the Grand Prize Diamond Badge from the Photographers Association of America in 1894, and the Grand Prize Bronze Statue from the Photographers Association of America in 1895.

The reverse bears the full award imprint of Morrison, Haymarket Theatre, 161 West Madison Street, Chicago, with the notation "All Negatives Are Preserved for Future Orders" and penciled catalog notations "Act266" and "150."

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