Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

May Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, May 6, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-05-06 11:00:00 2026-05-06 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : May Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/may-vernacular-photo-history-auction-22757
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 590

Original Art Soldiers Swiss Guard Vatican City WWII Era

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 $2,500
Original Art - llustrated postcard sized image depicting Allied soldiers observing members of the Swiss Guard within Vatican City, rendered in a stylized mid-20th century hand-drawn manner consistent with the World War II period. Two soldiers stand in the foreground with relaxed posture, while a Swiss Guard in traditional striped uniform and plumed helmet stands at attention holding a halberd. No photographer’s imprint is visible.

The composition is framed by large interior columns, suggesting a Vatican setting, with a second guard in a blue cloak positioned behind. The soldiers are shown in simplified, elongated forms with minimal facial detail, one resting an arm across another’s shoulder. The Swiss Guard’s distinctive uniform with vertical bands of yellow, red, and blue contrasts sharply with the muted tones of the soldiers’ attire and the architectural background.

A handwritten strip affixed along the upper edge reads “Vatican City,” while another along the lower edge reads “The Swiss Guard.” The piece appears to be an artist-altered postcard, combining printed illustration with added handwritten captions identifying the scene.

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