Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

September 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction

Sat, Sep 19, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-09-19 11:00:00 2026-09-19 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : September 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/september-2026-vernacular-photo-history-auction-24380
Our September 2026 auction is anchored by two remarkable private collections, together making up about half the sale, alongside a broader selection of consignments spanning early photography, Civil War material, and vernacular imagery. The Soffer Collection, built with an eye for rarity and historical significance, is particularly strong in vernacular portraiture, Native American photographs, and Iowa Civil War imagery. The Palmer, Massachusetts collection, much of it found at Brimfield, centers on maker-marked daguerreotypes from the golden age of the American daguerreian studio.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 191

Cabinet Card, Two Native American Men in Full Regalia

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 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
Two Native American men stand side by side in a full-length studio portrait mounted on a large green cabinet card with a gilt-ruled tan inner mat. The taller figure on the left wears an elaborate full war bonnet of eagle feathers with long trailing plumes, large circular ear ornaments, a layered bone or bead choker, and a printed floral shirt over dark trousers with beaded leggings. The figure on the right wears a feathered hair ornament, a heavily beaded breastplate, a fringed hide shirt, and fully beaded leggings with wrapped ties, standing with hands on hips in a composed, direct posture.

At their feet, a wide-brimmed hat with a white feather, a woven blanket, and additional regalia pieces are arranged on the studio floor, while a decorative prop or trunk is visible at the right edge of the backdrop. The studio setting and the density of ceremonial dress suggest a formal delegation or exhibition portrait, likely dating to the 1880s or 1890s.

No photographer's imprint is visible on the reverse of the mount. The mount measures 9 by 7 inches, with an image size of 5 1/2 by 3 3/4 inches.

From the collection of James Lee Soffer

Available payment options

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

All SHIPPING of photographs with total purchases above $500 is FREE, buyers to pay insurance at $2 per $100.