Michael Lehr Antiques
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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 485

Postcard format Shirley Burns Ventriloquist Signed Close Portrait with Dummy Variant Two

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
Real photo postcard format close studio portrait of Shirley Burns with dummy figure, presenting a second compositional variant from the same promotional series as the companion card in this grouping. The high contrast black and white image and the close framing of performer and dummy are consistent across both cards, with minor differences in pose and expression distinguishing this example from its pair.


The reverse bears a pencil notation reading Ventriloquist Shirley Burns. Together the two Shirley Burns cards provide a complete matched pair from a single studio session, offering a more complete picture of this performer's promotional photography output than either card provides individually.


The front bears an ink signature. The reverse reads: Blank reverse with pencil notation reading Ventriloquist Shirley Burns. Handwritten inscriptions read: Ink signature on front, pencil notation on reverse.

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