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 188

Exceptional Full Plate Tintype of Bearded Violinist

Estimate: $400 - $600
Starting Bid
$200

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$200 $20
$320 $30
$380 $20
$420 $30
$480 $20
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$3,200 $300
$3,800 $200
$4,200 $300
$4,800 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$32,000 $3,000
$38,000 $2,000
$42,000 $3,000
$48,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
$200,000 $20,000
$320,000 $30,000
$380,000 $20,000
$420,000 $30,000
$480,000 $20,000
$500,000 $50,000
Remarkable full plate tintype (6.5 x 8.5 inches) featuring a distinguisnhed, white-bearded elderly gentleman seated in three-quarter pose, caught mid-performance with his violin tucked under his chin and bow in hand. The clarity and depth of this image are striking—his intense expression, detailed wool coat, and the warm wood grain of the violin all rendered with beautiful sharpness and tonal range.

His refined posture and confident grip on the instrument suggest not only technical familiarity, but a lifetime of musical dedication. A rare and highly expressive occupational or artistic portrait—perhaps a traveling performer or respected regional musician—captured in a moment of focused engagement. No photographer's imprint, as typical with tintypes, but this image is professionally composed and lit, showing the hand of an experienced studio operator.

Full plate tintypes are scarce, especially in this condition and with such powerful subject matter. The plate has only minor edge wear and slight mat abrasions around the corners, with the central subject in excellent preservation. No bends or major flaws noted.

Available payment options

PayPal

Spend $500 or more at our two day auction and all of your SHIPPING IS FREE, buyers to pay insurance if they want it.