Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

Spring Photographic History Auction

Sat, May 3, 2025 01:00PM EDT
  2025-05-03 13:00:00 2025-05-03 13:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : Spring Photographic History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/spring-photographic-history-auction-19217
Raw, rare, and unforgettable—this is 19th- and early 20th-century photography at its best. Vernacular portraits, Native American warriors, African American resilience, Mormon pioneers, Western frontier families, and stark post-mortem scenes. Daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, tintypes, CDVs, and cabinet cards that capture real life without filters. Every image tells a story of survival, pride, and change. A museum-worthy collection for those who know real American history when they see it.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 125

Daguerreotype of Militia Officer with Sword, Attributed to Plumbe

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500
Starting Bid
$500

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Exceptional sixth plate daguerreotype portrait of a young militia officer seated in full uniform, holding his sword upright with pride and poise. The epaulets, sash, and belt buckle are rendered in sharp detail, and the patriotic backdrop—featuring a plumed helmet or shako—adds powerful context. His confident expression and straight posture suggest this was a formal and possibly commemorative portrait.

Attribution to John Plumbe Jr. is likely, based on the distinctive studio style, pose, and background. The mat die appears to have been improperly struck, showing signs of an uneven press—an interesting manufacturing anomaly that adds a layer of character to the plate.

The image retains good clarity with some tarnish around the edges and spotting in the upper field. Housed in a full pressed leather case. A compelling and possibly early pre-Civil War portrait that would enhance any collection of military, patriotic, or Plumbe studio daguerreotypes.

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