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 337

CDV, O-go-chu-qua, Rising Sun, Winnebago Chief

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 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
O-go-chu-qua, known as Rising Sun, a chief of the Winnebago (Ho-Chunk) people, is portrayed in this albumen CDV, likely dating to the 1860s or 1870s. The carte-de-visite format and plain studio backdrop are consistent with the era's widespread practice of photographing Native American leaders, often during delegations or agency visits. No photographer's imprint appears on the mount.

The subject sits with hands folded over a dark animal fur robe draped across his lap, wearing a loose hide or cloth shirt. Multiple strands of beaded and shell necklaces layer his chest, centered by a large circular silver gorget. A beaded headband secures a wrapped cloth turban adorned with feathers and natural materials, and small earrings are visible at both ears.

The Winnebago, or Ho-Chunk Nation, originally inhabited present-day Wisconsin and were relocated multiple times during the nineteenth century, with many members eventually resettling in Nebraska. Chiefs of the period were frequently photographed as part of federal documentation efforts and diplomatic exchanges.

The reverse bears a pencil inscription in a period hand reading "O. go chu, qua / a Rising Sun / Winnebago Chief." No photographer's imprint is present on either side of the mount.

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