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 536

Mounted Photo, Racing Motorcyclist, Single-Cylinder Racer

Estimate: $200 - $300
Starting Bid
$100

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
A young man in racing position astride a single-cylinder flat track motorcycle poses on a paved road before a manicured lawn and hedge in this gelatin silver print on plain brown board, circa 1908 to 1914. The rider leans forward in a full racing crouch, wearing a dark wool jersey and knickers, and looks directly into the lens with a composed and confident expression. No photographer's imprint or inscription is visible.

The motorcycle displays a minimal bicycle-derived frame with no suspension, a small fuel tank mounted between the upper frame tubes, drop racing handlebars, and an exposed single-cylinder engine with visible cylinder fins. No brakes are apparent, and the machine retains the stripped, purposeful configuration characteristic of board track or road racing machines of the pioneer era. The tank badge is not visible.

The racing crouch, stripped-down machine, and period dress place this image firmly within the earliest years of organized American motorcycle competition, when manufacturers including Indian, Excelsior, Thor, and others were producing single-cylinder racers capable of remarkable speeds on both board tracks and open roads.

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