Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, Jun 24, 2026 11:00AM EDT
Lot 325

Daguerreotype, Young Man, J. White and Co., Providence RI

Estimate: $50 - $100

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 young man is the subject of this ninth-plate daguerreotype, attributed to J. White and Co. of Providence, Rhode Island, a studio that advertised 25-cent daguerreotypes at 44 Westminster Street. The scalloped brass mat frames a bust-length frontal portrait against a dark neutral ground, and the image retains strong detail across the face and collar despite surface speckling consistent with age. The subject appears to be in his mid-to-late teens, with a direct, composed gaze and short, dark, side-parted hair.

He wears a dark coat over a white shirt with a wide, boldly patterned cravat tied in a generous bow, the fabric exhibiting a mottled printed design that draws immediate attention at center frame. His expression is level and unsmiling, his posture upright, and the open coat lapels reveal the shirt front clearly below the knotted tie.

The case's orange velvet pad is embossed with a separate studio's imprint reading "G.W. Rider's Daguerreotypes, No. 87, Westminster St., Providence," indicating the image and case originate from two distinct Providence studios operating on the same street.

The paper label inside the cover reads: "J. White and Co.'s 25 Cent Daguerreotypes, 44 Westminster St., South Side, Providence, R.I." The velvet pad impression reads "No. 87."

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