Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

March 2026 Unreserved Photo Auction — Curiosities, Performers & Vernacular Photography

Sat, Mar 28, 2026 01:00PM EDT
  2026-03-28 13:00:00 2026-03-28 13:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : March 2026 Unreserved Photo Auction — Curiosities, Performers & Vernacular Photography https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/march-2026-unreserved-photo-auction-curiosities-performers-vernacular-photography-22648
Our March 2026 auction presents a wide selection of historical photographs, postcards, entertainment memorabilia, and visual curiosities spanning the mid-nineteenth through twentieth centuries. Every lot is offered completely without reserve, ensuring that each item sells to the highest bidder regardless of price. Combined purchases totaling $500 or more qualify for free shipping, providing collectors an added incentive to bid across multiple lots. The unreserved format creates opportunities for both new and experienced collectors to acquire unusual and historically interesting material.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 147

Group of 8 Young Women Playing Game Cabinet Card Photo

Estimate: $50 - $400
Starting Bid
$10

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
Cabinet card photograph depicting a group of eight young women gathered on the floor in a staged interior scene. The women sit in a circle around a central area where several appear to be engaged in a small tabletop or floor game, possibly using small objects or pieces placed on the ground between them. Their clothing includes striped and patterned dresses typical of the late nineteenth century.

The setting includes a painted studio garden backdrop with foliage and flowers, suggesting the image was carefully arranged as a social or recreational scene rather than a formal portrait. Several women lean forward watching the game while others converse or smile toward the camera, creating a lively composition capturing interaction among the group.

The photograph is mounted on a cabinet card with scalloped mount edges. The reverse bears pencil writing including the number “712 O.P.” and the phrase “From Grove.” Group cabinet card photographs depicting leisure activities such as games or social gatherings are less common than standard studio portraits and provide a glimpse of social life and staged recreational scenes of the period.

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