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 343

Daguerreotype, Unidentified Young Boy, Gold Miner's Buckle

Estimate: $50 - $100
Starting Bid
$25

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 sixth plate daguerreotype presents a full-frontal seated portrait of an unidentified young boy, housed in its original thermoplastic union case with an embossed gilt border and amber velvet mat. The image is presented under a brass oval preserver mat and retains its cover glass. No photographer's imprint is visible on the case or image.

The boy wears a dark single-breasted sack jacket with visible button placket and a wide white collar open at the throat. A large, ornate rectangular belt buckle with what appears to be a gold mining motif sits prominently at his waist, and suspender hardware is visible at each hip. He is seated in a turned-spindle chair, its distinctive posts rising behind both shoulders, and his hands rest in his lap as he faces the camera directly with a serious expression.

The gold miner's belt buckle is a notable detail consistent with the mid-nineteenth century California Gold Rush era or its aftermath, when such decorative hardware was produced and worn as symbols of occupation or regional identity. The buckle's prominence suggests it held personal significance and was deliberately displayed for the portrait.

Cursive script is scratched or inscribed lightly across the upper portion of the cover glass, partially legible but not fully transcribed here.

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