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 288

Cabinet Card, Man Balancing Infant Edith May, F. B. Way, Ashtabula

Estimate: $200 - $300
Starting Bid
$100

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 man balances a smiling standing infant in this cabinet card by F. B. Way, Ashtabula, Ohio, the infant identified on the reverse as Edith May at seven months of age. The composition is an unusually animated and tender example of the format, with the baby turned to face the camera while the man regards her in profile, creating a natural and engaged grouping rarely achieved in the more rigid conventions of studio portraiture.

The infant wears a white christening or dress gown with eyelet lace trim at the hem and collar, her expression alert and directed toward the camera. The man is shown in strict profile wearing a dark three-button suit with a white shirt and bow tie, his dark hair neatly parted and a full mustache visible. He holds the child on what appears to be a small prop or platform concealed beneath her skirt, and a plain dark tonal background gives the composition a clean, focused quality.

The reverse bears a penciled inscription reading "Edith May 7 months when this was taken Now 3 yrs old," indicating the card was annotated later by a family member tracking the child's age, a common practice that adds documentary value to an otherwise private portrait. A price notation of "$50.00" also appears, circled in pencil.

Available payment options

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Amex
  • Diners
  • Discover
  • JCB
  • Union Pay
PayPal

All SHIPPING IS FREE for purchases above $500, buyers to pay insurance at $2 per $100.