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 274

Cabinet Card Woman with Kitten, Inscribed from Lala to Eddie

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 young woman identified on the mount face as "Lala" holds a small tabby kitten in her lap in this charming cabinet card portrait, unmarked by a photographer's imprint. THe image dates to the early 1890s based on the puffed sleeve silhouette and wicker chair prop. The inscription on the front reads "From Lala to Eddie," and the reverse carries a fuller message in a careful hand: "This is for Eddie to play with so he will not forget me, from Alice," revealing that Lala was a nickname for Alice and that the kitten itself was the gift, with the photograph sent as a record of it.

Alice sits in a large wicker armchair with a white fringed antimacassar draped over the back, wearing a dark silk dress with a wide white bow at the collar and a pendant at her throat. The small striped kitten rests quietly across her lap with one paw extended, held in place by her right hand. A painted backdrop depicting draped curtains and architectural columns fills the background, and a floral carpet is visible on the floor.

The combination of a live kitten, an affectionate nickname, and the personal message on the reverse makes this an unusually warm and specific example of the cabinet card as personal keepsake. No photographer's imprint is present on the mount.

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