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 268

CDV, B. Stewart, Iowa Volunteer, Civil War Musician with Horn

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
B. Stewart, identified by inscription on the reverse, is portrayed in this albumen CDV in full-length standing pose against a plain studio backdrop, dating the image to the early-to-mid 1860s. He wears a Union-style frock coat with a double row of buttons down the front, a forage cap with a small badge or insignia at the brim, and dark trousers. No photographer's imprint is visible on the mount.

Stewart rests his left hand on the bell of a large brass horn, likely a over-the-shoulder or upright tuba variant consistent with Civil War-era regimental band instruments, which stands nearly to his waist. A bow tie is visible at his collar, and a light-colored vest or shirt front shows beneath the open coat. His expression is direct and composed.

The reverse inscription reads "B. Stewart" twice, followed by notation that reads "Co. F, Co. [?] Iowa Vol. Service," placing him among Iowa's volunteer forces mustered during the Civil War and suggesting assignment to a regimental band.

The reverse also notes "Greenville" and what appears to be a partial date. No photographer's imprint is present on the mount.

From the collection of James Lee Soffer

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