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.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 282

Cabinet Card “The Lilliputians” Pupil in Magic Pach Bros 1890

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 a young little person performer identified in the printed caption as “The Lilliputians in the Pupil in Magic.” The little person is posed kneeling in a studio interior while holding an open decorative fan. The performer wears an elaborate costume with embroidered robe and head covering, suggesting a theatrical or orientalized stage costume common in late 19th-century variety and exhibition performances. A patterned carpet and painted backdrop complete the studio setting.

Printed along the lower mount: “THE LILLIPUTIANS, in the Pupil in Magic.” The photograph is credited “Pach Bro’s, N.Y.” with copyright line “Copyrighted by Rosenfeld Bro’s, 1890.” Images of little person performers were widely circulated during the late 19th century as souvenirs connected with theatrical exhibitions, touring stage productions, and variety entertainment.

Cabinet card format with printed photographer and copyright information on the mount. Reverse blank aside from later collection notations in pencil.

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Spend $500 or more at our auction and all of your SHIPPING IS FREE, buyers to pay insurance if they want it.