Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

March 2026 Unreserved Photo Auction — Curiosities, Performers & Vernacular Photography

Sat, Mar 28, 2026 01:00PM EDT
  2026-03-28 13:00:00 2026-03-28 13:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : March 2026 Unreserved Photo Auction — Curiosities, Performers & Vernacular Photography https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/march-2026-unreserved-photo-auction-curiosities-performers-vernacular-photography-22648
Our March 2026 auction presents a wide selection of historical photographs, postcards, entertainment memorabilia, and visual curiosities spanning the mid-nineteenth through twentieth centuries. Every lot is offered completely without reserve, ensuring that each item sells to the highest bidder regardless of price. Combined purchases totaling $500 or more qualify for free shipping, providing collectors an added incentive to bid across multiple lots. The unreserved format creates opportunities for both new and experienced collectors to acquire unusual and historically interesting material.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 287

Pach Bros Cabinet Card Lilliputians Pupil in Magic Horn

Estimate: $50 - $400
Starting Bid
$10

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
Cabinet card group portrait titled “The Lilliputians, in the Pupil in Magic.” The photograph shows a troupe of little person performers posed in a theatrical studio interior with architectural staircase backdrop. The performers are dressed in character costumes including military uniforms, formal dress, and theatrical attire. A central figure plays a guitar while another performer rides a penny-farthing bicycle and a Cupid figure stands above drawing a bow.

The mount bears the imprint “Pach Bro’s, N.Y.” with printed caption “The Lilliputians, in the Pupil in Magic.” and the lower margin reads “Copyrighted by Rosenfeld Bro’s, 1890.” This portrait appears to be a slightly different exposure or variation of the same staged group photograph.

In this variation, the performer at the far left is shown blowing a horn, while the rest of the group remains arranged in the same theatrical composition. Cabinet card format with printed caption and photographer imprint on the mount.

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Spend $500 or more at our auction and all of your SHIPPING IS FREE, buyers to pay insurance if they want it.