Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

Spring Photographic History Auction

Sat, May 3, 2025 01:00PM EDT
Lot 103

Extremely Rare Tintype of a Carriage Maker’s Workshop

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500

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Highly uncommon occupational quarter plate tintype showing a carriage maker at work inside his shop, captured with exceptional clarity. The craftsman stands at his bench, tools and materials scattered around him, while a nearly finished carriage—possibly a sleigh or light hearse—sits prominently in the center of the workshop. Every detail, from the wood shavings on the floor to the beams of the unfinished walls, evokes the industrious spirit of 19th-century trade work.

Images taken inside 19th-century workshops are rare, and those featuring vehicle construction are rarer still. The composition is outstanding—balanced, well-lit, and packed with layered content. The plate is in excellent condition with minor emulsion wear at the edges and retains strong contrast and detail. Housed in a full leather case with a deep blue velvet pad and ornate brass mat and preserver.

A standout in the realm of occupational photography—ideal for collections focused on trades, transportation, or the American working class. This tintype captures a fleeting glimpse into the hands-on creation of 19th-century mobility.

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