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 311

Exceptional Trio of Hand-Colored Rinehart Portraits

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
An outstanding and historically significant set of three original hand-colored portraits by the renowned photographer Frank A. Rinehart, depicting notable Native American leaders: Swift Dog (Sioux), Chief Mountain, and White Swan (Crow). Each striking portrait is vividly rendered, meticulously enhanced with vibrant period hand-coloring, preserving the dignity and intricate details of their traditional dress and regalia. These compelling images are mounted within their original vintage wooden frame, protected under original glass.

Swift Dog, prominently identified as Sioux, is portrayed standing proudly in ceremonial attire, holding a distinctive decorated shield and staff, while Chief Mountain and White Swan are presented in striking bust-length compositions that capture the depth of their character and stature. Each image is approximately 7 x 9 inches, carefully composed and beautifully executed with remarkable sensitivity by Rinehart, whose portraits remain among the most respected and collected images of Native Americans from the late 19th century.

This remarkable set measures 30 3/4 inches tall by 10 3/8 inches wide, housed within a period frame that shows moderate age wear consistent with its vintage. An exceptional piece for collectors of Western Americana, Native American art, or historic photography, offering both cultural significance and visual appeal.

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.