Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

Spring Photographic History Auction

Sat, May 3, 2025 01:00PM EDT
Lot 232

CDV of Railroad Handcar Patent Model from Howell, Michigan

Estimate: $200 - $300

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$200 $20
$320 $30
$380 $20
$420 $30
$480 $20
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$3,200 $300
$3,800 $200
$4,200 $300
$4,800 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$32,000 $3,000
$38,000 $2,000
$42,000 $3,000
$48,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
$200,000 $20,000
$320,000 $30,000
$380,000 $20,000
$420,000 $30,000
$480,000 $20,000
$500,000 $50,000
An exceptional CDV showing a detailed patent model of a railroad handcar, photographed in Howell, Michigan, by Cleave’s Fine Art Gallery. The image captures the ingenious mechanical layout of the handcar in crisp detail, including its geared hand crank propulsion mechanism. The dunamic photo is sharply focused and well-lit, giving an excellent technical view of the innovation, likely submitted to the U.S. Patent Office during the late 19th century.

The reverse side bears the gallery imprint and handwritten notation: “Wykoff, Clark & Sumner, Manufacturers, Howell, Mich,” identifying the inventors or builders associated with this model. Such CDVs were often created as part of the patent submission process or for promotional purposes, making this a scarce and desirable piece of industrial photographic ephemera.

Available payment options

PayPal

Spend $500 or more at our two day auction and all of your SHIPPING IS FREE, buyers to pay insurance if they want it.