Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, Jun 24, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-06-24 11:00:00 2026-06-24 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/june-2026-vernacular-photo-history-auction-23574
Our June 2026 auction presents a focused and exceptional selection of historical photographs spanning the 1840s through the early twentieth century, with unusual depth in named subjects, rare formats, and documented provenance anchored by strong vernacular material that rewards close looking.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 162

Mammoth Albumen, Iron Cloud, Omaha Nebraska

Estimate: $600 - $800
Starting Bid
$300

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$100 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $5,000
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
Iron Cloud stands in full-length pose against a painted studio backdrop in this massive 10 X 12.25 inch photograph on 10.25 X 14 inch mount produced at a studio located at 313-15-17 So. 15th Street, Omaha, Nebraska. The partially obscured imprint on the mount face reads "The Photographer," probably Grubb & Son, with the Omaha address visible to the right. The photograph dates to the late nineteenth century based on the studio address, mount style, and albumen print process.

Iron Cloud wears a dark trade cloth blanket wrapped around the lower body secured with a wide beaded belt displaying a circular medallion motif, a plaid or patterned shirt, and a bone or shell hairpipe breastplate layered at the neck. Arms are crossed at the chest, gaze directed upward and to the left. A fringed beaded bag and animal hide are visible at lower left, and the subject stands atop a fur robe spread across the studio floor.

Iron Cloud was a name held by multiple Lakota men during the nineteenth century, and the Omaha studio location and catalog number 681 inscribed on the mount suggest this image may belong to a numbered series of Native portrait commissions made in that city during the period.

The recto mount reads in ink: "#681. 'Iron Cloud'" at lower left and the studio address at lower right. The reverse bears a blue rubber stamp for Werner Paint Co., 2622 No. 72, Omaha, Nebraska 68134.

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