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 208

Full Plate Tintype of Patriotic School Group with Welcome Sign

Estimate: $200 - $300
Starting Bid
$100

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Rare and richly detailed full plate tintype capturing a large group of schoolchildren gathered outside a public building for what appears to be a patriotic or ceremonial welcome event. The group consists of approximately thirty children, flanked by two adult men, all posed in formation on a dirt street. Nearly every child wears a sash across the chest, lending a clear sense of occasion to the image. The girls are dressed in light summer dresses, while the boys wear suits and sashes. The man at right holds a rolled document or scroll.

Behind the group, a wooden sign mounted to a wall reads in bold letters: “WE COME TO GREET YOU,” adorned with greenery and floral garlands. On the porch of a two-story clapboard structure, a gathering of well-dressed adults looks on—perhaps local officials, schoolteachers, or community members. At left, a horse-drawn wagon and additional structures lend depth to the background, suggesting a rural town setting. The building with a cupola in the distance may be a school or town hall.

This image stands out for its strong composition, excellent tonal range, and exceptional documentary value. The message, the regalia, and the group arrangement strongly suggest a post-Civil War or centennial-era celebration tied to patriotic or civic themes. A rare and compelling example of American vernacular photography.

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