Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, Jun 24, 2026 11:00AM EDT
Lot 329

Daguerreotype, Woman with Twin Infants, Herring Family

Estimate: $200 - $300

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$100 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000

An unidentified woman holds two infants simultaneously in this sixth-plate daguerreotype, seated centrally with one baby balanced on each knee in a symmetrical composition that must have required considerable effort to achieve. The plate is housed in its original case with an embossed gilt mat framing the image in a shaped cartouche border. No photographer's imprint is visible. The daguerreotype dates stylistically to the 1850s based on the case style and costume.

The woman wears a dark patterned dress with a white lace collar fastened at the throat with a brooch, and drop earrings are visible at each ear. Her hair is parted at the center and pulled back smoothly. Both infants are dressed in identical long white christening gowns with gathered sleeves, and her hands are visible steadying each child at the waist.

A handwritten paper label associated with the case reads "Second pair of twins of Great Grandmother Mrs. Herring," providing a family surname and generational context preserved through direct descent.

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