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 308

Celluloid Photo Button, WWI Soldier, Army and Navy Forever

Estimate: $200 - $300
Starting Bid
$100

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 three-quarter-length portrait of an unidentified American soldier in field uniform occupies the central oval of this large celluloid photo button, dating to approximately 1917 to 1918. The button is oval in form and features a bold patriotic printed surround manufactured to frame inserted soldier portraits during the First World War period. The gilt-tone metal back retains a flat bar pin clasp.

The soldier stands before a wooden clapboard wall wearing a plain field shirt with breast pockets and a canvas belt, his posture erect and expression steady. The printed surround includes an American bald eagle above the motto "E Pluribus Unum," two large American flags, a battleship, a field cannon, a biplane, a sailor, and a uniformed infantryman. The arched text "Army and Navy Forever" appears across the top.

Patriotic celluloid portrait buttons of this type were produced in large numbers during WWI as keepsakes for soldiers' families, typically assembled by local photographers using standardized patriotic die-cut surrounds printed by button manufacturers such as Whitehead and Hoag or St. Louis Button Company. The back bears a partially legible red ink inscription.

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