Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

Winter Photographic History Auction 2026

Sat, Jan 31, 2026 01:00PM EST
  2026-01-31 13:00:00 2026-01-31 13:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : Winter Photographic History Auction 2026 https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/winter-photographic-history-auction-2026-21839
We are pleased to present our Winter Photography Auction, opening January 31 at 1:00 PM Eastern, featuring approximately 270 individual lots spanning the full breadth of 19th- and early 20th-century photography. The sale brings together landmark historical images, rare early photographic processes, and a deep selection of vernacular material created outside the conventions of formal studio portraiture. Collectively, these works offer a direct, unfiltered record of American life, identity, conflict, labor, and memory during photography’s formative century.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 323

Leprechaun Costume Performer, Cabinet Card Albumen Print

Estimate: $200 - $300
Starting Bid
$100

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
Oversized cabinet card albumen print depicting a male performer posed in theatrical leprechaun costume, photographed by Fink Bros., Montezuma, Iowa, late 19th century. The subject stands in a studio interior wearing a stylized jacket, broad white collar, bow tie, and rounded hat, presented in a confident, stage-ready stance beside a small table.

The image reflects the popularity of Irish-themed character roles in American theatrical and minstrel traditions of the period, when ethnic caricature and folklore figures were common in vaudeville, amateur theatricals, and promotional studio portraits. Such costumed portraits were often commissioned for publicity or as personal mementos tied to local performances.

Albumen print mounted to an oversized cabinet card measuring approximately 5 x 8.5 inches. The photographer’s imprint, “Fink Bros., Montezuma, Iowa,” appears printed at the lower mount. The verso is blank.

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