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 282

Cabinet Card Pair of Brass Andirons, Lewis Horning, Philadelphia

Estimate: $100 - $200
Starting Bid
$50

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 pair of polished brass andirons posed as a product advertising photograph is the sole subject of this cabinet card by Lewis Horning, operating as the Parlor Gallery at 523 South Ninth Street, Philadelphia, between 1884 and 1889. The reverse carries the manuscript notation "Advertising cabinet card" and "Lewis Horning, Artist," identifying this as a commercial commission made to promote a craftsman's or retailer's wares rather than a conventional portrait. Product advertising cabinet cards of this type are uncommon survivals from the period before halftone printing made photographic reproduction in print catalogs practical.

The andirons are a matched pair in a baluster-column style with polished spherical ball finials surmounted by small urn-shaped caps, secondary ball finials at the midshaft, and splayed scrolled feet with cutwork bracket details. The high polish of the brass reflects the studio lighting clearly in both orbs. The pair is presented on a fur or textile surface against a blurred studio backdrop, with what appears to be a fireplace fender or grate visible between the uprights.

The reverse bears the elaborate black-printed imprint of the Parlor Gallery, 523 S. Ninth St., Philadelphia, with the manuscript notations "Lewis Horning, Artist," "Advertising cabinet card," "31," and "30" in pencil at the upper corners.

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