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 150

CDV, Capt. Lambazo, Native American Portrait, c. 1860s

Estimate: $300 - $500
Starting Bid
$150

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
Capt. Lambazo is portrayed in a full-length standing studio pose in this CDV dating to the 1860s, identified by ink inscription on the reverse in a hand consistent with the period. The subject is presented in a mix of Native American and Western dress that reflects the complex cultural negotiations documented in many studio portraits of Indigenous men made during this era of sustained contact and conflict between Native peoples and the expanding American state.

The subject stands barefoot on a mottled studio floor, wearing light-colored trousers, a dark vest over a white shirt with a loosely draped white cloth at the neck, and a headdress of dark feathers with a white element at center. He holds a staff or weapon horizontally across his body with both hands, a quiver of arrows visible at his back, and his expression is set and direct. His long dark hair falls loose to his shoulders beneath the feathered headpiece.

Studio portraits of named Native American subjects from the 1860s are historically significant primary documents, produced at a moment when Indigenous leaders and figures were frequently brought to Washington or photographed by frontier and urban studios as part of treaty delegations and government relations. The photographer's imprint is not visible on this example.

The reverse bears an ink inscription reading "Capt. Lambazo" in a period hand, with penciled notations including "$75," "c.d.v.," "c. 1860s," "29," "6-11," and "LN. 4-2-88."

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