Michael Lehr Antiques
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May Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, May 6, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-05-06 11:00:00 2026-05-06 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : May Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/may-vernacular-photo-history-auction-22757
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 313

Cabinet Card, Underwood and Adams "Banner Girl," Orange, Mass

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 $2,500
An albumen silver print cabinet card produced by Geo. H. Thompson of his Photographic Art Studio in Orange, Massachusetts, whose imprint appears on the lower front of the mount and on the elaborately printed reverse, which carries a copyright date of 1889. The reverse design features an ornate griffin, grapevine borders, and the studio name rendered in decorative script. The subject is identified by a handwritten inscription on the reverse as Myrtle Clark, shown in a full-length standing portrait beside an ornate carved studio chair.

Clark, dressed as an advertising "banner girl," wears a dress constructed entirely from product labels and printed paper wrappers, layered and fringed across the bodice and skirt in an elaborate costume presentation. Individual labels are legible across the lower portion of the dress, including one reading "New England Dandelions" and others consistent with canned goods packaging of the period. Yarn or fabric fringe is attached at the shoulders, waist, and across the bodice, and her hair is dressed with additional ribbon or fabric ornaments.

She stands with her right hand resting on a large circular wooden sign mounted on a post beside the chair, the sign reading "UNDERWOOD AND ADAMS" around its outer ring and "R.O.P.G." within a central diamond. The acronym R.O.P.G. is not identified by any text visible in the image, and its meaning is unverified. The combination of the product-label dress and the branded sign suggests this portrait documents a promotional or organizational event connected to the Underwood and Adams name.

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