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 312

Cabinet Card, Tomb of Washington, Mt. Vernon, Luke Dillon

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
The iron gate and Gothic brick arch entrance to the Tomb of George Washington at Mount Vernon, Virginia, is recorded in this albumen print cabinet card by Luke C. Dillon, photographer to the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, dated by inscription to July 11, 1890. The reverse identifies the subject as "Tomb of Washington" and credits Dillon's copyright, with his office listed at Pullman's Gallery, No. 935 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. A handwritten inscription along the left edge of the front mount reads "Mt. Vernon, July 11, 1890."

The composition centers on the Gothic pointed-arch gate set within a brick entrance structure, flanked by decorative iron fence panels with spear-point finials; a small marble tablet is set above the arch opening. Dappled light from surrounding trees falls across the brick wall, and a large tree trunk rises at right. A white obelisk marker is partially visible at far left.

Dillon served as photographer to the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association from 1884 to 1894, producing a documented series of cabinet cards of the mansion, grounds, and tomb for sale as souvenir views to the visiting public. This example, with its precise date inscription, is a firsthand visitor's record of one of the most visited historic sites in nineteenth-century America.

The reverse bears the printed title "Tomb of Washington" with Dillon's copyright notice and Pullman's Gallery address.

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