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 337

Daguerreotype, Unidentified Freemason in Regalia, Weston, NYC

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
An unidentified man seated in Masonic regalia is the subject of this sixth-plate daguerreotype, attributed to Robert Weston of New York City and dating to approximately 1850 to 1854 based on the 192 Broadway address embossed in the mat. Weston operated at that address during those years according to period city directories, placing this portrait firmly within the early daguerreian era. The image retains strong tonal definition and is housed in its original thermoplastic and cloth case with a gold-embossed mat and blue-toned brass preserver.

The subject wears a dark frock coat with a broad white Masonic sash draped diagonally across his chest, ornamented with multiple embroidered medallions and a tassel at the lower end. A fringed Masonic apron rests across his lap, decorated with at least one emblem at its center. His black cravat and white collar are visible at the neck, and his short, side-parted hair and clean-shaven chin frame a composed, direct expression.

Robert Weston was listed as a daguerreian in New York City directories from 1848 through 1860, operating at multiple addresses including 132 Chatham Street, 192 Broadway, and later 142-1/2 Bowery. The 192 Broadway location appears in an alternate directory for 1850 to 1854, consistent with this image's mat imprint.

Text partially legible on the mat reads: 192 Broadway and additional characters consistent with the Weston studio imprint.

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