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 258

CDV, H. Apimana Ngapiko, Maori Man, C. Wright, Birmingham

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
H. Apimana Ngapiko, a Maori man, is portrayed in this albumen carte de visite produced by C. Wright of 143 Broad Street, Birmingham, and dated on the reverse March 21, 1864. The subject sits in a formal studio setting draped entirely in layered animal pelts, presenting a commanding frontal pose with a direct, serious expression. The inscription of his name in cursive script appears along the lower mount beneath the image.

The pelts are varied in texture and pattern, including a prominently spotted hide spread across the foreground, a shaggy mid-section fur, and a smooth dark pelt across the upper body. The studio backdrop includes a draped curtain to the right, a small figurine on a pedestal, and a decorative equestrian sculpture on a side table to the left.

In 1863 and 1864, a delegation of Maori chiefs and leaders traveled to England, meeting with Queen Victoria and appearing publicly across British cities. This portrait, taken in Birmingham in March 1864, places Ngapiko within that documented visit.

The reverse bears the printed imprint of C. Wright, Photographer, 143 Broad Street, Birmingham, with a handwritten notation reading "1 Mr 21 / 1864."

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