Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

September 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction

Sat, Sep 19, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-09-19 11:00:00 2026-09-19 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : September 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/september-2026-vernacular-photo-history-auction-24380
Our September 2026 auction is anchored by two remarkable private collections, together making up about half the sale, alongside a broader selection of consignments spanning early photography, Civil War material, and vernacular imagery. The Soffer Collection, built with an eye for rarity and historical significance, is particularly strong in vernacular portraiture, Native American photographs, and Iowa Civil War imagery. The Palmer, Massachusetts collection, much of it found at Brimfield, centers on maker-marked daguerreotypes from the golden age of the American daguerreian studio.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 302

Mounted Photograph, 1906 Baseball Team, "TC" Uniforms

Estimate: $100 - $200
Starting Bid
$50

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$100 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
Eleven ballplayers in matching uniforms bearing a distinctive "TC" chest logo stand in a single row outdoors for this large mounted photograph, almost certainly dating to 1906 based on the pennant visible at their feet. The sepia-toned print is affixed to a dark gray mount board and carries no photographer's imprint. The outdoor setting, with dense tree cover behind the group, suggests a park or fairground location.

Each player wears a light-colored uniform with the same "TC" diamond-shaped chest emblem, a matching cap, dark stirrup socks over white sanitary hose, and a leather belt. One player near the center wears a dark compression sleeve on his left arm. A canvas pennant inscribed with the year 1906 and what appears to be a catcher's mask lie on the grass in the foreground.

The "TC" monogram likely represents a town club, college nine, or semi-professional organization active in 1906, placing this photograph squarely within the early formation era of organized amateur and semi-pro baseball across the United States. The lineup format and uniform standardization reflect the growing institutional character of the game at that level during the period.

The reverse is plain with no inscription, studio imprint, or identifying text visible. Edge broken not effecting the image. The photograph measures 10 by 12 inches.

From the collection of James Lee Soffer

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