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 309

Celluloid Photo Button, Unidentified Western Couple, Wide-Brimmed Hats

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
A seated woman and a standing man, both wearing wide-brimmed western hats, are depicted in a full-figure studio portrait on this round celluloid photo button, circa 1900 to 1910. The image is rendered in warm sepia tones beneath a domed celluloid shell with a dark maroon ground. The oval back is fitted with a knotted twine hanging loop in place of a pin clasp. No photographer's imprint is visible.

The woman is seated in an ornate wicker chair with scroll arms and wears a dark dress with a round locket at the collar and a decorative waist sash; the man stands at her left in dark trousers, a dark jacket, and a wide-brimmed soft hat with an upturned brim. Both face the camera directly with composed expressions.

The full-length studio pose and wicker chair are typical of portrait conventions of the turn of the twentieth century, and the application of a photograph to a celluloid button for personal display or gifting was a common practice of the period. The twine loop indicates the piece was intended to be hung rather than worn.

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