Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

Winter Photographic History Auction 2026

Sat, Jan 31, 2026 01:00PM EST
  2026-01-31 13:00:00 2026-01-31 13:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : Winter Photographic History Auction 2026 https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/winter-photographic-history-auction-2026-21839
We are pleased to present our Winter Photography Auction, opening January 31 at 1:00 PM Eastern, featuring approximately 270 individual lots spanning the full breadth of 19th- and early 20th-century photography. The sale brings together landmark historical images, rare early photographic processes, and a deep selection of vernacular material created outside the conventions of formal studio portraiture. Collectively, these works offer a direct, unfiltered record of American life, identity, conflict, labor, and memory during photography’s formative century.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 182

Daguerreotype of Bride in White Wedding Dress

Estimate: $600 - $800
Current Bid
$300

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
Sixth plate daguerreotype studio portrait of a young bride seated and facing the camera, dressed in a white wedding gown with a sheer veil arranged over her hair and shoulders. Floral elements frame the veil at the temples, and a brooch or clasp is visible at the bodice. She holds a small book or wallet in her right hand, while her left arm rests across her lap. The direct, steady expression and formal pose are consistent with mid-19th-century wedding portrait conventions.

White garments were notoriously difficult to photograph in the daguerreian process due to their tendency to lose detail and appear flat or overexposed. In this example, the photographer achieved unusually strong tonal separation and surface detail in the dress and veil, indicating a high level of technical skill in lighting, exposure control, and plate preparation. The subtle modeling of the fabric and the preservation of texture place this image among higher-quality studio work of the period.

The daguerreotype is housed in a period hinged case with a gilt brass oval mat and red velvet lining. The mat shows light oxidation consistent with age, and the plate remains clear with scattered minor spots. The exterior case is embossed leather with geometric and radiating patterns, showing expected edge wear and rubbing. No photographer’s imprint or handwritten identification is present.

Available payment options

PayPal

Spend $500 or more at our auction and all of your SHIPPING IS FREE, buyers to pay insurance.